In an exclusive interview, Vladyslava shared her journey into the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, how she built a medical service from scratch, and the daily challenges of saving lives on some of the most dangerous frontlines.
Building a Medical Service from Scratch
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According to Vladyslava, the medical service within the Legion initially had very limited resources and focused primarily on casualty evacuation and providing basic first aid. However, through the incredible efforts of her team and with the support of volunteers, they achieved remarkable progress.
“We have evolved. We brought in more doctors, medics, and drivers. This allowed us to organize and open a fully-fledged stabilization point, which has significantly increased our capacity to save lives directly on the frontlines,” she explained.
On the Hottest Frontlines
Under Vladyslava’s leadership, the medical unit has operated in some of the most brutal hotspots along the front: the Serebriansky Forest, Terny, the Pokrovsk direction, and Chasiv Yar. In all these locations, her team worked to save the lives of both Ukrainian soldiers and international volunteers. At the time of this interview, her unit was rotating through the equally tense Kharkiv front.
"My greatest joy is a successful evacuation, especially when the odds seemed almost hopeless," Vladyslava shared. "You develop a deep personal bond with the soldiers you manage to save. That’s what we’re here for."
The Challenges of Combat Medicine and the Legion’s Uniqueness
Work at a stabilization point comes with constant challenges. "We have only one space for critically wounded soldiers, so speed and efficiency are absolutely vital," she said. She recounted a story where a soldier urgently needed a blood transfusion, and she herself became the donor — saving his life.
Serving in the International Legion brings its own unique aspects. Vladyslava notes the cultural and language barriers, as many of her comrades speak Portuguese or Spanish. "We’ve learned to understand one another and respect cultural differences, such as how to properly carry out medical procedures for Muslim soldiers."
"Every soldier must know the basics of tactical medicine. A properly applied tourniquet and having an individual first aid kit — these are the things that save lives even before the wounded reach us."
Vladyslava repeats this message often, emphasizing each soldier’s personal responsibility for their own survival and for their comrades.
Expressing her deep gratitude to her team, Vladyslava says she cannot imagine her life any other way. "I want to continue serving, to keep improving so I can be as useful as possible. I cannot imagine myself abroad now, where I might encounter russians. My place is here, with my people, until Victory."
You can learn more about the International Defense Legions of Ukraine at: https://ildu.mil.gov.ua/
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