Alexander Sak has already been awarded the Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky
Many of Colonel Alexander Sak's 47th mechanized brigade are too young to know rule from Moscow , born after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
But it is clear to the 28-year-old and his young, Western-trained troops that there can be no return on days like these, either for themselves or future generations of Ukrainians.
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Colonel Sack's deputy commander, Major Ivan Shalamakh, told the Washington Post last month: “Now we are fighting for the state we want to see for ourselves, for our children, grandchildren, and so on.”
The 25-year-old major Shalama was one of the founders of the 47th brigade, along with Valery Markus, a well-known veteran of the war in the Donbass.
The detachment began as a volunteer battalion a few weeks after the start of the Russian invasion. in February last year, and the requirements for his fighters were formulated from the very beginning.
“If you are not capable of self-education, you are not suitable for us. You do not know how to take responsibility, you show initiative, you feel that you owe everything to you – you are not suitable for us. If you do not know how to communicate like a civilized person, you are not suitable,” Markus said.
“If you do not recognize subordination, do not accept commands and criticism from commanders younger than you, you are not suitable. If you do not understand Ukrainian and are not able to learn quickly, to negotiate on the air in Ukrainian in critical conditions, you are not suitable.”
Sak is testing soldiers' motivation and physical strength to join the armed forces. Photo: KyivPost
By the end of June, having received more than 4,000 applications from recruits, the battalion became a full-fledged regiment.
And now, armed with heavy weapons and armored vehicles supplied by the UK, Europe and the USA, the 47th brigade leads Kiev's counteroffensive.
The unit is trying to breach the fortified defensive lines carved out by Moscow forces in the southeast of Ukraine's Zaporozhye region after several weeks of gradual advance across the front line.
Colonel Sak, one of the outstanding young commanders of the Ukrainian army, has already received the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky in March last year, assembled an elite squad for this task.
Admission to the brigade is possible subject to an interview to test the motivation and readiness of potential recruits for battle.
Soldiers must also pass a rigorous physical fitness exam, including a 10 km run in full combat gear, pull-ups. and rope climbing.
Nearly every one of its troops has reportedly received weeks of training from British, German and other Western instructors.
Sack calls on everyone to stop conflicts and insults and unite against the Russians. Photo: Twitter
A training course in Germany earlier this year focused on efforts to turn the war in Kyiv's favor through combined arms combat, the soldiers said. on the offensive,” the 29-year-old commander, identified only as Comrade, told The Washington Post.
“We were in constant contact with their sergeants, officers, soldiers when they trained us,” he added.
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“There was never a time when we asked a question and they did not answer. Everything was really on a high level. We have seen this other level, and we need to get there.”
In addition to the briefing, the brigade received a lot of weapons from the patrons of Ukraine in the West.
“Spirit to Victory”
One of the weapons in its arsenal is the Washington-provided Bradley armored personnel carrier, which will reportedly have about 100 units.
The vehicle is fast, mobile and specifically designed to destroy enemy defenses.
It is also capable of protecting troops from drone attacks and artillery fire. Its protective qualities were reported earlier this month when a Ukrainian filmmaker-turned-fighter admitted that Bradley's design had saved his life. will continue to advance in the coming weeks.
“We are ready,” Major Shalamakha told The Washington Post. “We have the motivation of people, we have the equipment, and the most valuable thing we have is the spirit to win.”
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