UAV Pilot Reflects on Colleague's Death and the Emotional Toll of War

Oleh Ivanytsia on Losing a Fellow Soldier

According to РБК-Україна — Lite: Oleh Ivanytsia, a drone pilot with the 412th Separate Brigade of Unmanned Systems Nemesis, opened up about the death of his comrade Maksym Nelipa. He spoke candidly about the guilt he feels for surviving while his friend did not.

“When death is discussed, you don’t think about your own safety. You feel a bit of guilt that you are still alive, and he is not,” said Ivanytsia.

Nelipa, who led a drone unit, died during a period when troops had begun to grow accustomed to losses. Ivanytsia noted that early in the war, each casualty was seen as a tragedy, but over time, soldiers start to view it as part of the job.

“At first, every loss was a tragedy. But later, after a certain number of losses, you start to see it as part of the work process,” Ivanytsia explained.

Why Nelipa Stayed Out of the Spotlight

Ivanytsia also addressed why Nelipa rarely appeared in public or gave interviews. According to him, Nelipa said his command did not allow him to do media appearances. “Maksik said the leadership wouldn’t let him go for interviews. It wasn’t his choice-it was an order from above,” Ivanytsia stated.

As for his own service, Ivanytsia joined the territorial defense forces at the start of the full-scale invasion and fought in eastern Ukraine. In early 2024, he transferred to an air defense unit. Before the war, he worked as an actor with the Black Square Theater, a screenwriter, and participated in projects like Diesel Show and Na Trokh.

Ivanytsia’s reflections on Nelipa’s death and his thoughts on military service underscore the complex emotional state of those on the front lines, as well as the challenges soldiers face regarding publicity and media presence. The role of command in shaping a unit’s media policy is also crucial, as it can influence how fallen soldiers and their comrades are perceived by society.