A young Ukrainian soldier who volunteered to fight at the very start of Russia's full-scale invasion has opened up about the psychological toll of front-line combat, describing his experience as "scary, cold, hungry and lonely." The soldier, known by his call sign Akula, spoke candidly with CNN's David McKenzie about the harsh realities of war and its lasting impact on his mental health.
Akula was among the wave of Ukrainian civilians who rushed to enlist in the days immediately following Russia's invasion in February 2022, a period marked by an extraordinary outpouring of patriotic volunteerism across the country. Like thousands of others, he set aside his civilian life to defend his nation, entering a conflict that has since become one of the deadliest and most destructive wars in Europe since World War II.
His account offers a rare and deeply personal window into the daily conditions endured by soldiers on the ground, where the physical and emotional demands of warfare take an enormous and often invisible toll. The front lines of Ukraine's war with Russia have stretched across hundreds of miles of contested territory, exposing soldiers to relentless danger, extreme weather, and prolonged separation from their families and loved ones.
Mental health among Ukrainian soldiers has become an increasingly urgent issue as the war enters its third year, with experts warning that the scale of psychological trauma being experienced across the armed forces could have generational consequences. Resources for mental health support, while growing, remain severely stretched amid the ongoing demands of the conflict.
Akula's willingness to speak openly about his struggles is notable in a military culture where vulnerability is often viewed as a weakness. His story reflects a broader conversation now taking place in Ukraine about how the country will care for its veterans once the fighting eventually comes to an end.
CNN's David McKenzie has been reporting extensively from Ukraine, documenting the human cost of a war that has displaced millions, claimed countless lives, and reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Europe. Akula's testimony stands as a powerful reminder that behind every military statistic is a human being grappling with experiences that few can fully comprehend.
