A fighter from the Free Cossack Unit of the Russian Volunteer Corps tells the story of his journey, which began on February 24, 2022.
Three years ago, on February 24, 2022, at five-thirty in the morning, my grandfather woke me with the words, “Well, son, the war has started.” At first, I didn’t understand anything until I pulled out my phone and started reading the news. My first thought, as well as my first decision regarding what had happened, was that it was time to write to Wolf and think together about what we should do in this situation. The second thought was that it was time to use connections and buy a used Kalashnikov from Novocherkassk dealers (in case we decided to go partisan). The third thought—where to run if something happens.
When my friend and I met, and also on the advice of more experienced friends, we decided that we would not let ourselves be killed (two madmen against Leviathan—what could be more comical?), so we decided to head to Ukraine right in February. What better chance could there be to prove in practice that our ideals and views, our faith, have at least some weight, that our burning, young hearts have not hardened—not a chance! The beginning of a great journey!
And then the search for a crossing over the Russian-Ukrainian border to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces, through captivity, a failed attempt to cross the border, an encounter with the FSB, Wolf’s arrest and his six months in pre-trial detention, my year-long emigration to Serbia, joining the ranks of the Russian Volunteer Corps, where our group of hotheads, with the support of the RVC leadership, founded the Free Cossack Unit—that day I said to myself: “Wolf, I have fulfilled our goal!”
So much has happened in such a short time that it is impossible to describe it all briefly. The war showed who is who—I was disappointed in many people and began to admire many others. The war made me stronger, more experienced. But at the same time, it took away close friends and like-minded comrades…
The war gave an impulse to something greater than what we had!
And, of course, the war will continue even if there is a “shady deal.” A war for an idea, for supremacy, for the fulfillment of our visions, for the realization of our goals.
We have set out on the path of war; it cannot be abandoned without reaching the goal. Unless you die. Wherever fate casts us, the living, the Rubicon is long gone and the enemy still lives.
S. V. Kuchinsky
Glory to the Cossacks! Glory to victory!
