Checkpoints, Drones, and Responsibility: The Story of Oleksandr Laskavyi
Olexandr Laskavyi today provides clarity and order as the coordinator of the storage area in Kyiv, but behind his calm and professionalism lies the experience of a man who took up arms at the most critical moment for the capital. His story is the path of a civilian who had no military background, but had an unmistakable sense of the moment: when the enemy approached the city, the choice of “go or not go” simply did not exist. Oleksandr signed a contract with the Territorial Defense just when the feeling of danger in the air became almost physical, and this determination changed his life into a “before” and “after,” although he himself modestly says that he was simply doing what he had to do.
Oleksandr’s service became a real test of endurance. The first days were spent in a mode of maximum tension at checkpoints: constant shifts day and night, inspections, internal control of the city, and only a few hours of sleep a day. When the situation around Kyiv began to change, so did Oleksandr's tasks. From static duty, he moved to the rapid response groups, and later became part of mobile fire groups that hunted enemy drones. Leading such a group as the senior unit commander, he took responsibility for the sky over the city, going to intercept the "Shaheeds". This stage required not only courage, but also intellectual growth: Oleksandr successfully completed three specialized courses in UAV control and mastered the CLS standard tactical medicine course, transforming from a novice into a competent warrior capable of both hitting the target and saving lives. The greatest discovery for him during his service was not fear, but the phenomenal unity of people. It was this total support — both within the unit, where yesterday's strangers became brothers, and from civilians — that gave him the strength to hold on during the most difficult shifts. Despite the drastic change in his life, where a cozy home was replaced by headquarters and checkpoints, Oleksandr maintained his inner balance. When it was time to return to civilian life, he did so with special inspiration. Returning to his native Omega // became almost a holiday for him: the team welcomed the hero with open arms, and the work processes helped him quickly leave the war routine behind. Now Oleksandr continues to maintain his professional front in Kyiv, coordinating the work of the station with the same dedication with which he defended the sky over the city. He says that the war did not change his attitude towards people or work - he still valued responsibility and honesty. However, the experience gained in fire groups and drone courses tempered his character. Now he looks at the world from the position of a person who knows the price of security. Above all, he dreams of the day when the word "victory" will finally become a reality for every Ukrainian, and the skills of tactical medicine and weapons will forever remain just a part of history that will not have to be repeated.