A scalpel in the hands of a very experienced surgeon delicately removing a tumor – this is how you can describe the work of Ukrainian special forces. It is no accident that the dictators of all countries of the world are wary of special forces, they say that they are too intelligent to serve there. And it really is. For each special operation, fighters carefully develop several plans: main, backup, alternative and reserve. If circumstances force you to abandon the main plan, then the backup is used. If it doesn't work either, there are at least two more well-thought-out options. Each of them is worked out to the smallest detail.
Our current Guardian of Light Dmytro with the call sign Sviatyi (Saint) serves in the “Scorpion” special unit and has been preventing anti-terrorist and anti-sabotage activities at the Khmelnytsky NPP for almost ten years. He moved to Netishyn from Rivne region, settled and found a family there.
On February 24, 2022 Dmytro was on service. He learned about the beginning of a full-scale invasion from his management. Dmytro recalls:
“I heard from the commander, “Guys, the war has begun.” This news was stunning, but did not inspire fear. For the “Scorpion” special forces, the war has been going on since 2014. Even then, our fighters went to the Anti-Terrorist Operation /Combined Forces Operation zone to repulse the enemy. Later, there were breaks in the rotations and we simply ensured security at the Khmelnytsky NPP. Therefore, after the commander's words about a large-scale war, our unit simply began to carry out the actions provided for in emergency. Then we were involved in mobile fire groups, the main task of which was to neutralize “Shahedis” above the Khmelnytsky NPP.”
The beginning of the great war left a huge wound in the heart of our Hero. If he was physically ready for it, then mentally it was more difficult. Dmytro's mother died two months after the full-scale invasion. Due to constant worries about children, family and country, the woman's heart could not stand it. The defender blames the russians for this. The loss of a dear person roused even greater rage against the enemies and an incessant desire to knock them out of his native land.
So, when “Scorpion” began to be involved in the destruction of ruscists in the Donetsk direction, Sviatyi, as part of the “Omega” special unit, went to Avdiivka. The rotation lasted from November 2022 to February 2023. The first battle with the enemy took place on November 19, when special forces hunted many orcs.
“There were cool guys in my unit,” Sviatyi says, “I was also lucky with the commander. He had the call sign “Pepiel” (“Ash”), knew how to support, give proper advice and the necessary guidance. This is a person with a capital letter and without exaggeration – a model of a commander. In the first three days, the guys and I worked hard, so we went to rest in the mood. The aerial reconnaissance officers then noted that were experts in our field.
Indeed, that time we impeded the advance of such a number of ruschists that we ourselves could not believe it. The enemy simply up to us and fell in the same place. I was “flying” and making adjustments with the drone, Pepiel gave orders, and Dimas and Shmel worked with the tripod anti-tank grenade launcher. About 200 orcs were killed thanks to SPG and mortar, not counting my drone attacks. Because drones are another topic, it is my hobby. And since I have a call sign Sviatyi, those gifts were a punishment from heaven for the enemy,”
The special forces unit performed various combat and critical tasks in Avdiivka, so it was one of the last to leave the Avdiivka Coking Plant. After the 9th quarter “fell” – the only open way of leaving the city to the west through the field – the command made a decision to withdraw the unit. Therefore, on February 18, 2023, the defenders broke out of hell, got out of the almost complete entrapping and left the city. There was a lack of equipment, and the brothers-in-arms had to be taken out even above on cars. Ukrainians do not abandon their own, so they rescued and took everyone to the last man.
“The war began with a difficult morale for me,” Sviatyi says, “the death of my mother was a big blow. And I blame it on the war. Moreover, when he went to Avdiivka, the youngest son was only 2.5 months old. On the front lines, I was warmed by the thought that I might return home to teach the children to play football and give them parental love. That is why I always tried to be on a video call or just record a video. I am glad that when I have returned home from the rotation, the baby has recognized me.
And I would like to tell you a little secret that no one knows. On the front line, I was worried about one thing, lest my leg be torn off. Because in that case, I would not be able to teach my children to play football. Later, the boys and I even joked about that. We have decided that if we remain without legs, then we will join the Paralympic team and continue to do this sport.”
Not only physical training and humor helped the Ukrainian defenders to stay on the front line, but also the support of each other and the Ukrainians.
“The support at the front was strong,” Dmytro emphasizes. – The boys and I knew that we needed to be united and hold together. In those conditions, many different everyday misunderstandings arose, but we solved them easily. And we supported each other a lot. Moreover, we were supported by volunteers from the Organization of members of the Air Defense Forces of the Khmelnytsky NPP, “Birds of Victory” and the Women's Battalion, as well as ordinary people. We were often sent gifts and holiday greetings. We understood that we were not alone. We knew that our relatives, friends, loved ones and all Ukrainians were behind us! We felt enormous support and understood that we had no right to make a mistake and could not allow the enemy to go where he should not be – on the territory of our Ukraine.”
After the rotation from Avdiivka, Dmytro was offered a promotion and now he is an officer of the intelligence group. The special officer is engaged in the training of intelligence men, shares successful experience from the front line. Sviatyi also learned how to recycle ammunition and began working with strike drones. He says that drone attacks unload his heart, and it's like a drug for him – to find a target and send a Ukrainian surprise there. “Scorpion” rotations “to zero” are still taking place, and Sviatyi is always ready to leave.
“If my experience is needed on the front line, I am ready to go,” Sviatyi assures. – No one but us will do it, and the matter must be brought to an end. So that everything is Ukraine. Unfortunately, the enemy will not stop.
That is why all of us, not only the military, should put aside fear and continue to protect our children, homes, and country. If this is not done, then the enemy will come to everyone and will not ask whether he helped the defenders or not? He will just kill! Therefore, we must gather and unite as much as possible to keep the “second army of the world” at a distance! Only Ukrainians can do it! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to heroes!”
