When Weapons Become a Constant Companion… Ukrainians Prepare for the Next War

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The current war with Russia is far from over, even as it enters its third year. Yet, Ukrainians are already preparing for the next battle with Russia.

Vladyslav Chumachenko, a Ukrainian who provides medical care on the front lines, said he is already getting ready for the next war with Russia. The 39-year-old believes that even if uncertain negotiations succeed in ending the war, the terms will be “clearly” unacceptable.

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His wife, Anastasiia, who runs an organization providing medical care to soldiers with him, told AFP that Moscow “will attack again” once it has the opportunity and rebuilds its forces. “We must be prepared,” she added.

From a medical facility in the Donetsk region, where they treat wounded soldiers, Vladyslav and Anastasiia urged volunteers to remain on high alert, even in the event of an agreement.

While two volunteers resigned due to exhaustion, others expressed their desire to prepare “for the next phase of the conflict,” Vladyslav explained.

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These medical workers bear the responsibility of evacuating soldiers, which means they must venture close to the front lines. This is evident from one of their ambulances, which was hit by Russian tank fire.

Beyond their essential duties, they also train soldiers in first aid—a task that, according to Vladyslav Chumachenko, will likely continue even after the fighting stops. “History shows that there is no lasting peace in this part of the world,” he said.

He acknowledged that some exhausted soldiers may want to move on, but he believes that many will refuse to “give up their rifle… and go harvest potatoes.”

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Before the Russian offensive, the Chumachenkos were involved in environmental causes: they ran a climbing center while raising their daughter, who will soon turn 10.

During their short breaks from the front lines, they take a few days each month to visit their daughter, who is otherwise cared for by her grandmother.

Anastasiia Chumachenko believes it is crucial that her daughter “stays in Ukraine” and understands the meaning of war to be prepared for it. She asserts that life before the war “will never return.”

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Oleksandr, a commander of an assault unit in the 93rd Brigade, is among those who will remain in service no matter what.

“I feel like I belong on the front line,” said the soldier, who plans to stay in the army even after the war ends so that he is “ready” in case another conflict arises.

Some soldiers argue that Ukraine should have anticipated Russia’s continued advances and that, as a result, they cannot lay down their weapons. Meanwhile, Moscow demands that the country “surrender” to end the war.

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The commander believes that if Ukraine concedes territory, “chaos will ensue,” as Russia seeks to maintain control over five Ukrainian regions, including Crimea, which it partially or fully occupies.

He concluded, “The men fighting for our land today (…) will not listen to Zelensky if he agrees to such concessions, and we will keep fighting.”

“Many men have lost everything—their homes, their families, their children,” he added. “They have nothing left to lose.”

“Perhaps I will join their ranks as well… who knows?”