«I'm here because this is my native land»: the story of a Mykolaiv guardsman with the call sign «Black»

A soldier of the 19th Mykolaiv Regiment of the National Guard with the call sign «Chornyi» («Black», — note) started his service as a conscript and has been defending Mykolaiv region since the first days of the war. Now he is fighting in the hottest spots of the country and has been awarded the «St Nicholas the Wonderworker» for his heroism and rescue of his comrades.

The regiment told the story of their comrade.

«Chornyi's story is not a story about war. It is a story about humanity. It is about the strength of the spirit. It is about the fact that real heroes are not those who are not afraid, but those who act despite fear», the regiment said.

In 2022, the soldier was doing his regular military service, and from the first days of the full-scale war, he and his comrades stood up to defend Mykolaiv region.

«Our task was to prevent the enemy from capturing Mykolaiv. We knew that if we broke down, things would get even worse. We stood our ground. Because there was no other way,» the guardsman recalls.

After the liberation of Mykolaiv region from Russian troops, «Chornyi» signed a contract, completed a combat training course and went to the front line.

«I signed the contract because I understood that it was my duty as a man. I have parents, relatives and people waiting for peace behind me. The enemy has no right to set foot on our land. And if not me, then who?», said the National Guard.

While performing combat missions in the Donetsk sector, «Chornyi» faced one of the most difficult challenges: his group came under intense fire. Despite the danger, he helped the wounded, set up barriers and covered his comrades with fire until evacuation arrived.

«Most of them were wounded after a dense shelling, when we managed to defend the Specialized regimens and the enemy infantry failed to capture it. I saw their pain. I heard their screams, tried to provide fire cover and at the same time help the wounded. It was very difficult, but we managed to save the guys. I don't know how, maybe a second wind, adrenaline, higher powers, but I was making extra efforts at the time», he recalls.

For his bravery and heroism, «Chornyi» received the award of the Mykolaiv RMA «St Nicholas the Wonderworker».

«This is not my award. This is the award of all those I saved. This is the award of my brothers who are still alive. I am here because I cannot do otherwise. This is my native land. My brothers are here. My choice is», he admits.

After the victory, the warrior dreams of getting an education, returning to a peaceful life and spending more time with his family.

«I dream that my future children will live in a world where the word «war» remains in history books», said «Chornyi».

We would like to remind you that when the Russian army attacked Mykolaiv on the night of 17 November 2024, the soldiers of the 19th Mykolaiv Regiment of the National Guard of Ukraine were among the first to come to the aid of the victims.