The Zaporizhsteel rolling mill engineer defends Ukraine in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to Global Firepower's ranking of the strongest armies, the Ukrainian army ranks fourth in Europe. The army's material and technical resources and supply, which are taken into account when compiling the ranking, play a major role. However, for every Ukrainian, our defenders remain the best beyond any rankings, thanks to their courage, bravery and humanity. Among the defenders of Ukraine, there are many people who had nothing to do with the army before the war: they worked as teachers, engineers, power engineers, steel makers - but in the face of the threat, they rose to the defence of Ukraine.
Where do Ukrainian defenders get their strength from? It's simple. The power of unity, unconditional acceptance and support, and the extraordinary efforts of civilian Ukrainians in the joint struggle against the occupiers are the most reliable sources of energy. This is also the opinion of a Zaporizhstal rolling mill engineer who is currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under the nickname "Borsch".
"I have been working at the plant for more than 20 years, it is my second family, which remains loyal under any circumstances and difficult times. I started my career at the Works as a pickling specialist in the Cold Rolling Shop, later became a foreman, worked as deputy shop manager, and gained a lot of experience as Head of the Shipping Section, in particular in the Hot Rolling Shop. My colleagues-rolling mill engineers contact me almost every day to find out if everything is ok. The volunteers of the Works and the managers of my unit systematically provide assistance and comprehensive support," says the Zaporizhstal employee.
The rolling mill engineer was mobilised to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in March 2012. Without combat experience, the man first underwent training before going on missions with his brothers-in arms.
"I became an artilleryman in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and learnt to work with mortars and other artillery devices. Later, after the training, my unit and I went to the Kharkiv direction. I remember well the beginning of the Kharkiv offensive: we were motivated, ambitious and fearless, because we knew from the beginning what the indecision of our defenders would cost our country. We drove through fields mined by the occupiers without even knowing it. Later, when this information became known, we realised that we had been born under a lucky star, and our mission had not yet been completed. So, we are still working to this day and heading for the Victory together," adds Borshch.
The artilleryman also fought near Bakhmut, one of the biggest flashpoints in the Donetsk sector. The defender says that he will definitely return to Zaporizhstal after Ukraine wins.
"I was very fortunate to work with a great team, I will gladly return to the steelworks when peace is restored in Ukraine, when we restore our historical borders, and when occupiers leave our land. Together, we will rebuild our country with renewed vigour. And now each of us has to do our best in our respective places, work for the Victory or fight for it on the front line. My place is now where I am," the defender said.
