SupportToday, we speak with Svitlana Tsukrenko, callsign Strila.
When the war began, she couldn’t stay on the sidelines. Her decision was quick and final: to join the military.
Before the full-scale invasion, Svitlana studied physical education, sports, and health. She worked as a coach and engaged with youth. Later, she became interested in medicine and planned to enroll as an anesthesiologist. But the war interrupted these plans.
Svitlana shares that she now works at the stage of evacuating the wounded. In her area of responsibility, she handles both minor and severe cases. The crew consists of just two people: herself and the driver. They evacuate the injured from dangerous areas, often at risk to their own lives.
In addition, Svitlana mentions that they sometimes have to transport the deceased. She admits that this is something she would rather not see, but it is part of the reality.
When asked if the war has changed her, Svitlana answers frankly: she has become tougher, calmer, and at the same time more detached. In some situations, she feels aggressive. She says she has partially lost herself.
Svitlana shares that her greatest dream after the war is to regain this lost part of herself. To complete her education, obtain a medical degree, and simply rest- at least for a while, to forget what she has endured.
She understands that the consequences of the war will remain, but she believes she will be able to cope.
Svitlana also speaks about family, about the lost time with loved ones. She admits that sometimes she feels guilty for not being there.
For her, the most important thing is to return and make up for what the war has taken.
