Kathrine Frich
What was supposed to be a 10-day assignment turned into a harrowing 50-day standoff against Russian forces.
What was supposed to be a 10-day assignment turned into a harrowing 50-day standoff against Russian forces.
A Mission with No Margin for Error
Ukrainian soldier “Rus” was dispatched with his comrade Artis to defend two key bridges in Dobropillia, a village west of Russian-held Donetsk.
With only what they could carry on their backs, the duo moved under the cover of night, narrowly dodging drones and advancing troops to reach their post.
Fighting From the Shadows
Once in position, Rus and Artis holed up in a small cottage near the bridges.
The basement, where they took shelter, reeked of death and decay. Overhead, Russian drones buzzed constantly, searching for any sign of movement.
Rus described the nerve-shredding sound as “often indistinguishable to the sound of a mosquito.”
Life in the Basement
Day and night, the pair faced enemy fire while enduring the bleak conditions of their hideout.
“There wasn’t time to relax, fry some salo [pork fat], play cards, there was no such thing,” Rus told The Times.
He tried to stay sane by doing squats and push-ups, even though he sait that “the biggest rest you could get was taking off a helmet and body armour for half an hour.”
Struck by the Smell of War
The acrid stench of rotting bodies surrounded them.
“It smelled like rotting meat,” Rus said grimly.
The isolation, paired with this ever-present scent of death, became part of the mental toll the two soldiers endured.
They could only use the toilet at “dusk or dawn” to avoid being seen, and relied on baby wipes to stay clean.
Loss on the Front Line
By the 30th day, the pressure mounted.
Russian mortar fire found its mark, wounding Artis.
With no option but to evacuate, Artis made his way to a field hospital, leaving Rus alone to defend the bridges.
From then on, Rus faced the enemy solo, with corpses around him and Russian troops tightening their grip.
Holding the Line Alone
For another 20 days, Rus continued the fight, repelling waves of Russian assaults from his position.
He killed 27 enemy soldiers during the ordeal, holding ground long enough to prevent further Russian incursion into Dobropillia.
Despite the chaos around him, he remained a one-man bulwark.
Recognition for Heroism
Rus has now been recommended for the Hero of Ukraine medal, the country’s highest military honour.
His defence of the Dopropilia bridges was not only an act of survival, but also a critical strategic win for Ukraine, preventing enemy forces from pushing further west.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
