Survive and Persevere: The Frontline Story of Mykola Osyka
When Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022, thousands of Ukrainians stood up to defend the state. Among them is Mykola Osyka, a man who knows the true price of war and peace. His path is an example of courage, endurance, and true patriotism.
Mykola’s military path began back in 1994, when he was serving in the Desna training center. There, he became a specialist in radio engineering troops and quickly proved himself as a leader, receiving the position of foreman and deputy platoon commander. But the most difficult tests awaited him. But in 2022, Mykola joined the 28th separate rifle battalion and immediately took part in the defense of Kyiv. Later, there were Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, namely Bakhmut and Klishchivka — cities that became symbols of the indomitability of Ukrainian soldiers.
At the front, Mykola served as a sniper and squad commander. He often had to take responsibility for a platoon, organize the defense of strategic positions, and save the lives of his comrades. He was repeatedly shelled, wounded, and contused, but his main goal always remained one: to save as many lives as possible. “I was kept by the certainty that my children, wife, and colleagues were waiting for me at home. And also by my responsibility to the guys. If you are a commander, you should think not about yourself, but about those around you,” he recalls.
He taught the guys not only to fight, but also to survive: to hide from drones, to warm themselves with a candle in a trench, to keep a cool head when it seems that your heart is about to explode.
His stories about his comrades are not from the movies. These are not heroes in armor - these are ordinary people who laughed, shared the last water, joked in the trenches, and the next moment they might not have time to hide from shrapnel. They remain in Mykola's memory forever.
In June 2023, after receiving injuries and concussions, Mykola was demobilized. He returned home, to his family and work. He says that his colleagues met him with great respect and now help him in everything, because after his injuries he cannot take on heavy physical work. “The biggest gift for me is attention, respect and communication with people,” the veteran emphasizes.
“War teaches you to protect life and people,” says Mykola. To appreciate simple things: to lend a hand, to cover a friend, to appreciate even a piece of bread that an old woman in a front-line village gives to the military.
When asked about his dreams, he does not invent them. His answer is concise and firm:
“Victory.”
This is not just a word. It is a desire to see brothers return alive. It is a belief that Ukraine will remain a country where children will not know what “-18C in the trenches” is. This is his personal dream and the dream of millions. Mykola Osyka is not just a veteran. He is a man who learned to live after the war. And therefore, he will teach us to appreciate what we have.