Exclusive Interview Reveals Trauma of War Torn Volunteer Soldier
Akula, a 20-year-old Ukrainian volunteer soldier, recounts the brutal reality of fighting on the front lines during Russia's invasion. The young warrior shares with CNN's David McKenzie that being scared, cold, hungry, and lonely became his harsh reality.
As we spoke to Akula, it was clear that the weight of his experiences is still overwhelming him. When asked about the most challenging part of war, he candidly stated that it wasn't the fighting itself but rather the isolation. "Being alone on the front lines for hours at a time with no one to talk to, no comforts, and no hope of relief was the hardest part," he explains.
Akula's mental health has taken a significant hit from his experiences, as evidenced by the high rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Ukrainian soldiers. Describing the symptoms, Akula says, "It's like being back there again every night. The nightmares, flashbacks – it's all still so vivid."
Akula's story highlights the often-overlooked reality faced by volunteer soldiers fighting on the front lines during conflicts such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite their bravery and selflessness, many struggle to cope with the emotional trauma inflicted by war.
"I want others to know that this isn't just a matter of being scared or losing friends – it's a long-term battle with your mental health," Akula stresses in an effort to raise awareness about PTSD among soldiers. His experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the need for comprehensive support systems for those affected.
Akula's voice is laced with a mix of sadness, vulnerability, and determination. As we conclude our conversation, he says, "I just hope that by sharing my story, I can help others who are going through similar struggles – we're not alone."
Akula, a 20-year-old Ukrainian volunteer soldier, recounts the brutal reality of fighting on the front lines during Russia's invasion. The young warrior shares with CNN's David McKenzie that being scared, cold, hungry, and lonely became his harsh reality.
As we spoke to Akula, it was clear that the weight of his experiences is still overwhelming him. When asked about the most challenging part of war, he candidly stated that it wasn't the fighting itself but rather the isolation. "Being alone on the front lines for hours at a time with no one to talk to, no comforts, and no hope of relief was the hardest part," he explains.
Akula's mental health has taken a significant hit from his experiences, as evidenced by the high rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Ukrainian soldiers. Describing the symptoms, Akula says, "It's like being back there again every night. The nightmares, flashbacks – it's all still so vivid."
Akula's story highlights the often-overlooked reality faced by volunteer soldiers fighting on the front lines during conflicts such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite their bravery and selflessness, many struggle to cope with the emotional trauma inflicted by war.
"I want others to know that this isn't just a matter of being scared or losing friends – it's a long-term battle with your mental health," Akula stresses in an effort to raise awareness about PTSD among soldiers. His experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the need for comprehensive support systems for those affected.
Akula's voice is laced with a mix of sadness, vulnerability, and determination. As we conclude our conversation, he says, "I just hope that by sharing my story, I can help others who are going through similar struggles – we're not alone."
you know i was watching this interview on the war in ukraine and it's just so sad Akula sounds like a young soldier from vietnam or korea, all those wars just leave a mark on their souls 
mental health is so underrated especially for our boys fighting over there, they need more support than just meds 
we should be proud of them but also think about what they're going through when they come back home 
Come on, guys! This interview is giving me PTSD just thinking about it 
. But seriously, Akula's story is a harsh reminder of the emotional toll war takes on our soldiers. I mean, yeah, they're fighting for their country and all that, but let's not forget the human cost. Mental health is no joke, fam! 
It's like, we need to stop romanticizing war and start addressing the real issues – PTSD, trauma, isolation... 
The fact that Akula is still struggling with his mental health even after sharing his story just shows how much work needs to be done. We gotta do better, guys! 
like how can someone go through so much trauma and still be so strong? i'm literally sending him all the love and positive vibes 
and i hope his message gets out there to help others who are struggling too 
Akula's story needs to get more recognition & help ASAP 
let's spread some love & support for these brave warriors 
1 in 5 soldiers get PTSD 
akula's story is giving me chills, being alone for hours without a friend or comforts can be super scary 
mental health matters we need to support these guys more 
war affects people in so many ways, it's not just about fighting or winning, it's about the mental and emotional toll it takes on people. 
we need to support our soldiers more than ever, not just with physical care but also mental health services. 
it's okay to not be okay, and we should all try to raise awareness about PTSD and the struggles of volunteer soldiers fighting on the front lines 
Akula's story is so heartbreaking 
.
they're not just fighting for their country, they're fighting for their mental health 
, but I'll leave that out 
. I mean I feel bad for him and all, but how does he cope with the nightmares and flashbacks? Does he ever have good days where everything's okay? 
. I get that we need to raise awareness, but can't we do it without making people feel all the feels at once? My anxiety is spiking just reading this article 
.
we need to raise awareness about PTSD & mental health support systems for them 
. Akula's story is a reminder that we're all in this together, and we cant just sit back & watch 
. we gotta support these heroes & make sure they get the help they need 
. IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE BRAWL ON THE FRONT LINES, IT'S REALLY ABOUT THE MENTAL TOUGHNESS YOU HAVE TO SHOW TO KEEP GOING, EVEN WHEN EVERYTHING FEELS LIKE IT'S CRUSHING YOU 
, BUT SERIOUSLY, WE NEED MORE PEOPLE COMING FORWARD ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES SO WE CAN HELP THEM DEAL WITH IT BETTER 
. It's not even about the fighting itself but more about the loneliness and isolation 
.