Interview with Kozak, member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

By Matthew Parish, Associate Editor

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This is Matthew Parish from the Lviv Herald, and I have the privilege today to interview “Kozak”, who is a US citizen and a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Kozak, welcome to the Lviv Herald.

Thank you.

Please tell me about your life and background before the full-scale invasion.

Before the full-scale invasion, I was working in logistics with a Ukrainian volunteer military formation that later became part of the regular armed forces. I arrived in Ukraine in 2019. My family has Ukrainian roots, and before the war I was already involved in humanitarian work, including supporting orphanages. When the first shells fell on Ukrainian cities, I felt it was simply the right thing to do to stay and help.

What were you doing before you moved to Ukraine in 2019?

I joined the United States Army at seventeen, so I have spent most of my adult life as a soldier. I served with airborne and special units and was deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Central Asia. Military service has been my profession for more than two decades.

So you would describe yourself as a lifelong soldier?

Yes. I have been in uniform for over twenty years.

You moved to Ukraine because of family ties and humanitarian work. Were you a soldier here immediately?

Not immediately. At first, I worked as a volunteer logistician, helping to bring equipment from the United States such as protective gear, communications equipment and helmets. None of this was paid work.

So you began as a volunteer?

Yes. A small group of us helped bring in several million pounds’ worth of equipment. It made a real difference at the time.

When did you formally join the Ukrainian Armed Forces?

Effectively at the start of the full-scale invasion. I joined a Ukrainian formation immediately and brought in body armour and other equipment. When the invasion began, there was no question about what to do.

Where were you when the invasion started?

I was staying with friends near [xxxxx] when nearby military facilities were struck. Some people panicked, but those of us with prior combat experience understood that we had to stay calm.

You later served with Ukrainian military intelligence service, HUR. Can you explain what that is?

It is the military intelligence service of Ukraine. They are highly professional and take good care of their personnel. At the time I joined, they mainly accepted people with significant prior military experience.

What roles have you carried out during the war?

I have served in a variety of roles. Early on, I was involved in fighting around Kyiv and in logistics supporting units in the south. Later, I took part in operations in the Kharkiv region during the counteroffensive, and subsequently in areas including Bakhmut, Soledar and around Donetsk. I also attended chaplaincy training and served for a period as a chaplain, although most of my work has been in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

So you have been deployed across much of the front line?

Yes, across many different sectors.

You have served throughout the war. What is life like on the front line?

It is extremely unpleasant. It is dangerous, exhausting and relentless. You do what you must do, but it is not something anyone would describe as enjoyable. Many close friends, both from my home country and people I met here, have been killed.

What is daily life like for a soldier at the front?

It is incredibly loud. There is constant noise from artillery, drones and explosions. Earlier in the war, before drones became so widespread, the battlefield was quieter, though never safe. The widespread use of drones has made the front line constantly noisy and stressful.

Has drone warfare significantly changed the nature of combat?

Absolutely. Drones mean you can be targeted at any moment. They have transformed the battlefield and made survival much more difficult.

How do soldiers defend themselves against drones?

One of the most effective tools is a shotgun with appropriate ammunition. The aim is not necessarily to destroy the drone completely, but to damage its propellers or power source so it crashes. That can save lives.

How much warning do you get before a drone attack?

Very little, sometimes none at all. That is why soldiers in forward positions need the right equipment with them at all times.

Are you currently spending much time in the forward trenches?

Not as much now. I am working with the [xxxxx] Assault Brigade, assisting with command and coordination.

How are foreign soldiers treated in that unit?

Extremely well. The unit takes good care of its people. Even senior commanders regularly visit the trenches, which is unusual in most armies.

When you are not at the front, what are the living conditions like?

They are surprisingly good. We are provided with accommodation, beds and electricity. That is not common everywhere, but this unit makes an effort to look after its soldiers.

Have you been injured during the war?

Yes. I suffered serious injuries to my arm and spine due to explosions. I was not shot directly, but blast effects can be devastating.

How long did it take you to recover?

I was given several months of medical leave. I was treated at a military medical facility in [xxxxx], where the care was excellent. I received daily treatment and rehabilitation. In my experience, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have taken very good care of injured soldiers.

How do casualty rates affect morale?

Losses are a reality of war. I have lost many friends, and that never becomes easier. Personally, I consider myself fortunate to still be alive and able to continue.

How would you assess the current state of the front line?

It is largely static. That is remarkable, given that Russia has far greater resources and manpower. Ukrainian forces are holding their positions through determination and resilience.

Why do you think Ukraine has been able to do this?

It comes down to willpower and morale. Soldiers are fighting for their homes, their families and their future. That creates an extraordinary level of determination.

Are Ukrainian forces better trained than Russian forces?

Not necessarily, but training is improving steadily. Morale and unity make a significant difference.

How are you coping mentally?

I am managing well. As a chaplain, part of my role is supporting others, which also helps me process my own experiences.

Where are you currently stationed?

I cannot be specific, but it is in a dangerous area near the front line, roughly in the [xxxxx] region.

How do you see the war developing?

At present, it is a stalemate. Without significantly increased military support from Western partners, that situation may continue.

What is your view of current peace negotiations?

Ultimately, the war will end through political agreements rather than purely military means. However, progress has been slow and deeply frustrating for those fighting.

Who do you believe bears responsibility for the failure to prevent this war?

Responsibility lies primarily with political leaders who failed to uphold past commitments, particularly security assurances given to Ukraine in the 1990s.

How do you think the war will end?

It will end at a negotiating table, not on the battlefield. When that happens is impossible to predict.

Do you feel hatred towards Russian soldiers?

No. Hatred is not useful. Many of them are victims of circumstances and decisions made by others.

Do you think internal change in Russia is possible as losses mount?

I hope so, although it is difficult to say. There are Russians who oppose the current regime and are actively fighting against it.

How long do you intend to remain in Ukraine?

This is my home. I have lived here since 2019 and I intend to stay and defend it for as long as necessary.

What are your plans after the war ends?

I want to continue humanitarian work, particularly supporting orphans and displaced children. A close friend and I planned to open a toy shop to fund such work, and I intend to carry that idea forward. I plan to remain in Ukraine and build a future here.

Kozak, I want to thank you for your time today. You’re a hero of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.

Heroyam Slava. I’m not a hero, I’m just an ordinary guy put in an extraordinary position.