National Guard shares story of 19-year-old who destroyed 2 tanks in first engagement
At the age of 19, National Guard soldier Volodymyr Mahda has already managed to destroy two enemy tanks and save the life of a comrade, the National Guard of Ukraine has said, sharing the story of the young defender on June 28.
Mahda began his studies at a military lyceum, as he always wanted to become a soldier.
After graduating from the lyceum, the young man joined began his military service at unit 3005 of the National Guard of Ukraine, and that’s how his journey began.
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“One day, an officer of the National Guard of Ukraine came to us and was recruiting personnel for a unit that was supposed to advance to positions in Luhansk Oblast,” Mahda said.
“I immediately agreed and signed my combat contract.”
The soldier saw his first action in Popasna. His platoon, which consisted of 20-24 soldiers, was attacked by a column of Russian invaders.
Using the NLAW anti-tank system, Mahda destroyed one of enemy vehicles. In turn, the Russian military fired back, and of Volodymyr’s comrades-in-arms received a shrapnel wound to the head.
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“With an accurate shot, I neutralized the second tank, provided my comrade with first aid and dragged him to the evacuation site,” Mahda said.
After that, Mahda’s unit defended the road to Bakhmut for three months, as well as evacuating local residents from the settlements of Komyshuvakha, Popasna, and Zolote-1. But due to significant losses, they had to return to base to regroup.
“And after four months of participation in hostilities, I became the commander of a BTR-4 (amphibious infantry fighting vehicle) crew, and by order, as part of the unit, we advanced to the village of Sosnivka, Kharkiv Oblast, which was later liberated from the invaders,” Mahda said.
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When Mahda went to serve on the contract, his mother did not know about it. He initially assured her that he had remained in the unit and was just on duty.
However, when the soldier posted a photo on Instagram against the background of a destroyed tank, his mother understood everything.
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“Of course, she was very worried, although I tried not to make her nervous,” Mahda said.
“But now everything is fine, I think she is not so worried about me.”
By order of the president of Ukraine, Mahda was awarded a “For Military Service to Ukraine” medal. He also has a wristwatch from the Interior Ministry and a book personally signed by the late Interior Minister Denys Monastyrskyi, which he has gifted to a museum.
When asked what victory means for him, Mahda was clear: “(Victory will be) when the armed aggression ends, when Russia stops killing our children, and missiles stop flying at Ukraine, and when every Russian criminal is held to acount for his actions.”
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
