Author: Violetta Kirtoka
In 2014, a resuscitation nurse from Mirnograd, Marina Vedikal, compelled the local military enlistment office to lift her exemption so she could join the war effort and provide medical aid to the wounded. Two and a half years into the full-scale invasion, she practically lives in an armored vehicle to remain as close as possible to the front lines.
Discussing the role of medics in war, I learned from the brigade’s command about a unique individual: «We have a remarkable woman who lives in armor right on the front lines, providing immediate assistance. Few can handle what she does. Usually, those who get injured have to wait for a medical evacuation, which can sometimes take hours. But here, our medic is always nearby, ready to help. She’s not only professionally competent; if she can’t evacuate someone immediately, she’ll definitely provide the necessary aid, making it easier for the soldier to wait for the right moment to be transported from the front.» Naturally, I wanted to meet this woman. Most medics usually stay at evacuation points, only called upon when needed. Living in trenches, dugouts, near a medical MT-LB—an armored tracked vehicle—requires desperation. Marina is just that. And she’s a true lady; before we spoke, she asked me to wait while she made herself presentable, having driven to Kostiantynivka for our interview from her very forward position.
«I AM RUSSIAN-SPEAKING, FROM DONBAS. BUT I WANT TO LIVE IN UKRAINE. WHY DID THESE RUSSIANS INVADE?»
Marina wasn’t offended when I began our conversation by asking her age. A woman at war typically doesn’t play coy about her age. Why bother? «45,» she says, bringing both experience and understanding of her actions. Moreover, Marina is a local, from Donbas—a testament that the region has many true Ukrainian patriots fighting desperately for their country.
- When did you join the army? I asked Marina.
- I served even before the full-scale attack. On February 23, 2022, I received a call from the military enlistment office, and by the 25th at dawn, I was already with the brigade.
- Were you previously part of the 93rd?
- No, before the full invasion, I was at the 61st Military Hospital in Odessa. Initially, I stayed in place, working as a resuscitation nurse. Later, two of us from the hospital went to the front. I rotated through various brigades—the 28th, the 70th, and many others. At one point, I thought: I’m getting older; it’s time to go home. You understand, the war back then wasn’t like what we see now. There were far fewer injuries. I barely had any work, so in 2017, I returned to my hometown of Mirnograd. I continued working at the local hospital as before.
- Did you sense the war would become this extensive?
- I did, but you always hope for better…
- And when they called from the military enlistment office…
- I guessed immediately what the conversation would be about. It was clear something was brewing because from Slavyansk through Mirnograd, many people were already fleeing. Lots of cars were on the move. At first, it wasn’t clear why so many vehicles were rushing towards Pokrovsk. Then, on the 23rd at nine in the morning, they called and asked me to come in. I said, «Okay.» — «Should I bring you your draft notice?» — «No need. I’ll finish my shift tomorrow and come.»
Why didn’t you want to flee? Why didn’t you join the general exodus?
Well, who then would work, who would help? Let me put it this way… This is my homeland, I don’t want the enemy at my door. I’m Russian-speaking, from Donbas. But I live in Ukraine, and this is my country. Why did these Russians invade, claiming our lands? I knew well that no one would protect me and my son. What to do? Let them come to my city? I didn’t want that. Many from Mirnograd left, but eventually, everyone returned. As they say, where you’re born is where you’re meant to be. I never wanted to live in a big city. My small town suits me.
In 2014, why didn’t I join the army immediately? Because I was deferred. I personally went to the military enlistment office to have it removed. I worked in neurology. The hospital had «reserved» me, but I decided that I needed to join the army. I went there myself and left (laughs). And this time, too, I consciously joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces… Even though I understand that at my age, over a year on armored vehicles isn’t adding to my health… I’m indispensable! Always on the front lines. Just for this conversation, they asked me to come out.
- Heard of the 93rd before?
- Yes. I first met the 93rd in 2014; they were positioned near our village. Back then, there were no hospitals, and they were treated at our local hospital. So, I’ve known about the 93rd for a long time.
This in-depth look into Marina’s life underscores her dedication and the harsh realities faced by medics on the front lines, emphasizing the profound personal sacrifices made in the name of duty and homeland.
