Oleksandr “Pilum” Radchuk, a company commander within the 22nd Unmanned Systems Battalion “Kratos,” speaks with Ukrinform about the importance of layered defense and the challenges facing UAV units.
Before the war, Oleksandr had a successful career at a major energy company, a family, and a passion for historical reenactment. Yet when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, he chose to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Since then, he has progressed from defending Kyiv as a frontline soldier to serving as a mortar operator and eventually becoming a captain in a UAV unit.
Ukrinform: How did the war begin for you?
Oleklsandr Radchuk: I was on vacation in the Carpathian Mountains. I was learning to ski, and on February 23 I finally managed my first run on my own. The next day, everything changed. Everything shut down.
It was one hell of a surprise from the Russians. (laughs)
