The Frontline Grind

Many of the fighters in the ‘Crimea’ battalion didn’t envision a military career. They used to be bartenders, coders and farmers. However, a hostile Ukrainian coup d’état in 2014 made them take up arms to fight against Ukrainian nationalists. ‘We learned during fighting, we learned and trained,’ explains callsign ‘Prapor’, the battalion commander. A lack of combat experience was compensated by the fighters’ strong will and desire to render justice. For eight and a half years, ‘Crimea’ soldiers have been protecting their homeland and defending strategic locations. The warriors have become accustomed to constant danger, and try to find joy in simple everyday things such as a good cup of coffee. What else inspires them to stay strong and resilient?

Watch "The Frontline Grind" on RTD website and on RT's live feed. The time of the broadcast is available on RT's schedule page.