Soldier in Sydney for treatment after drone attack

Nazar’s Story: A Soldier’s Journey from the Front Lines to Recovery
On November 11, 2023, 21-year-old Ukrainian soldier Nazar found himself in the midst of a brutal attack near the city of Bakhmut. Russian forces struck his trench with a missile-mounted drone, a devastating blow that couldn’t be stopped due to a lack of sufficient electronic warfare equipment. The attack claimed the life of Nazar’s friend and teammate, who was sitting near the entrance of their dugout. The blast left Nazar with severe injuries, including a leg that was injured so badly that his bones "fused together the wrong way." Now, in Australia for medical treatment, Nazar is undergoing surgery to extend his injured leg by four centimeters and reconstruct destroyed nerves, tendons, and bones in his foot. Despite the physical and emotional toll of the war, Nazar remains determined to return to the front lines to fight for his country.

The Ongoing War in Ukraine: A Battle for Freedom and Survival
Nazar’s story is just one of countless tragic tales emerging from Ukraine, a country that has been ravaged by war since Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022. Ukrainian forces, despite being outnumbered and outgunned, continue to defend their homeland against relentless attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported staggering casualties: 46,000 Ukrainian troops killed and 380,000 wounded. The human cost extends far beyond the battlefield, with tens of thousands of Ukrainians missing in action or captured, and about 20,000 children forcibly deported to Russia. Nazar, who hails from a military family, speaks of his deep connection to the war. His father, a military officer, has been defending Ukraine since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, while his mother is on long-term leave from work to care for their children. Nazar also leaves behind his girlfriend in Odessa, as well as his duty on the front lines.

International Support and the Call for More Help
Nazar’s recovery in Australia is made possible by the support of the Australian organization Future Ukraine, which is helping him navigate his medical treatment and advocacy efforts. Recently, Nazar met with Australian politicians and consuls at Parliament House, where he emphasized the urgent need for more equipment and support for Ukrainian forces. He highlighted that his unit lacked a handheld anti-drone gun at the time of his injury, a stark reminder of the shortfall in resources faced by Ukrainian soldiers. Australia has already committed $1.5 billion in aid to Ukraine since the invasion, but Nazar and many others believe more assistance is crucial to turning the tide of the war.

The Deepening Russia-North Korea Alliance
The war in Ukraine has taken a dangerous turn with the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. According to Kyiv’s military spy chief, Kyrylo Budanov, North Korea is now providing Russia with 50 percent of its frontline ammunition. This collaboration has significant implications for global security, with thousands of North Korean troops reportedly deployed to Ukraine. In response, the Australian government imposed an additional 149 sanctions and travel bans on Russian individuals and entities involved in this military partnership. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a joint statement, warning that this alliance poses serious risks to European and Indo-Pacific security.

The Human Cost of War: A Life Forever Changed
Nazar’s story is a heart-wrenching reminder of the human cost of war. Before his injury, he played a key role in liberating the village of Klishchiivka, south of Bakhmut, a rare moment of triumph in an otherwise relentless conflict. Yet, he reflects on the hollow victories that often come at a devastating cost. “There’s no one left to rejoice once Russian forces are repelled,” he says, highlighting the displacement and death that have become commonplace. Nazar’s own life has been forever altered, but he clings to hope. He longs for Ukraine to one day mirror the peace and freedom he sees in Australia, where people can walk outside without the constant fear of air raid sirens and explosions.

A Message to the World: The Fight for Freedom Continues
As Nazar works toward his recovery, he remains steadfast in his resolve to return to the front lines. His determination is rooted in a deep sense of duty to his country and his fellow soldiers. “I would like to tell Australians that the war is continuing right this very minute, and that all the help is needed, either financial or rallies to bring awareness,” he says. Nazar’s message is clear: the international community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of Ukrainians. Every piece of equipment, every dollar donated, and every voice raised in support brings Ukraine one step closer to reclaiming its freedom. As the war grinds on, Nazar’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the enduring hope for peace.