An Interview with Chief Sergeant Yuriy Kulik
In an interview with Mykhailo Glukhovsky for 'Glavcom,' Chief Sergeant Yuriy Kulik, who has been fighting since 2014, shared his perspectives on the war, his motivation, and his combat experiences. His military service began in the Air Assault Forces, where he defended Donetsk Airport alongside comrades who earned the legendary nickname 'Cyborgs.' Wounded in Donetsk Oblast during the full-scale invasion, he returned to duty after treatment, now serving with the 81st Separate Signal Battalion.
Yuriy Kulik and his brother voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine on August 21, 2014. He was initially assigned to the 3rd Battalion of the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade. In December 2018, he signed a contract with the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo. From June 2021, he was stationed near Popasna in Luhansk Oblast, and on March 10, 2022, he was deployed directly to Popasna. It was there during combat that he sustained shrapnel wounds to his leg and both arms.
The Service and Motivation of Yuriy Kulik
At the time of the interview, only 5 or 6 people from his original company in the 24th Brigade were still serving. His brother was discharged due to disability in 2025, yet two of his sons and his daughter-in-law continue to serve. His elder son signed a contract with the Armed Forces back in 2013 and serves in border guard special forces, while his younger son, a former champion in the martial art of Hopak, joined before the full-scale invasion.
Yuriy Kulik and his brother were also present at the Maidan protests in 2013-2014. In the interview, he remarked:
'You're scared for the first few dozen minutes. Then the fear switches off, and the thrill of the hunt switches on when you see you are destroying the enemy.' Yuriy Kulik
Reflecting on his motivation, he stated: 'For me, the war will end only when all our prisoners, held since 2014, are freed. It is for the people of Ukraine, for the people, that we fight.' He also emphasized: 'Who will protect my children, my family, if not me?'
Kulik believes that 'the Russians are running out of steam in this war... victory will be ours' and expresses conviction that 'those who fight should be the ones who consciously made that decision, who want to defend the country, not those who are forced.' His words and experience reflect not just a personal story, but the shared spirit of those continuing the fight for Ukraine's independence.
- 'No one but us!' – this paratrooper motto resonates deeply with his beliefs and values.
Yuriy Kulik's interview sheds light not only on one soldier's individual path but also on the collective struggle of Ukrainian society for freedom and territorial integrity. His story is part of a larger narrative about the resilience and courage of Ukrainian service members who continue to fight under the most difficult conditions. The conflict, now in its second decade, has forged a profound sense of duty and sacrifice among its defenders. Kulik's words about motivation and the desire to protect loved ones underscore the deep emotional core of this prolonged war and the critical importance of unity and support among Ukrainians.
Yuriy Kulik's experiences highlight not only the bravery of individual soldiers but also the systemic issues within the military. His insights into the challenges faced by the Armed Forces resonate with the observations of other veterans. For a deeper understanding of the flaws in the army, including the impact of bureaucracy and collective punishment, you can explore this critical perspective from a Ukrainian hero.