For me, this is a frank struggle between good and evil, - the national guard with the nickname “Kozyr”
Andrei Kozyrev is an extreme guide. However, in 2014-2015 he defended Ukraine as part of the Donbass battalion of the National Guard of Ukraine, then returned to civilian life. Due to the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the man made the decision to continue serving and defend our state.
“The only thing I was worried about was my family. Accordingly, the first thing I did when the first Russian MTLBs drove along my street was to take them out of the city. Then my brother and I got on a bike, returned to the city and rolled around for another week, spent the night at the military station,” the soldier of the National Guard of Ukraine in the brigade “Bureva” shared his memories about the first days of a full-scale war.
Andrew was mobilized in early March 2022. He joined the battalion in which he had previously served. A few days after the mobilization, the man had already repelled Russian attacks near the village of Moshchon.
“In the battles near Moshchon, Kostroma paratroopers were opposed. For me it was such a personal event, because this is such a response for Ilovaisk. For me, it was important to personally participate in this - I “broke off” to the fullest,” the guard said.
Near Moshchon, the Russians tried to cross the river, but the Ukrainian servicemen did not allow it to do so.
“When there were very big frosts - up to -15, then we joked with each other: let it be even -30, but our earth is warming - we are here at home. In addition, volunteers broke through to us - brought tea, sleeping bags, things. I understood that on that side the enemy is completely demoralized and they have no internal reason to fight. They have no purpose, goals - only hatred of others and the desire to destroy us. Therefore, for me it is a frank struggle between good and evil,” the National Guard said.
When the invaders were expelled from the Kiev region, Andrei continued to serve in a trusted area, where provocations from the enemy were expected. Subsequently, in the early summer of 2022, he went to defend Ukraine near Severodonetsk, where he mainly repelled immigrants from the Chechen Republic.
“We had very, very close contact battles in extremely difficult conditions. In order to get to the forefront, we had to force the river on rubber boats. We held back the endless streams of the enemy for enough time. And as much as we could, we carried it out,” the soldier said.
Subsequently, the National Guardsman was wounded. Andriy thanks his brothers who helped evacuate and save life. The man underwent rehabilitation and is already in good health.
By the decree of the President of Ukraine, for courage and courage, selfless actions in defense of the state interests of Ukraine, Andriy Kozyrev was awarded the Medal “For Military Service to Ukraine”.
“For me, this award is more a tribute to the work of my brothers and commanders. For he who was on the front lines, the one who introduced contact battles - knows that one in the field is not a warrior. The best thing you can do is serve your partner first. If everything is fine with him, then everything will be fine with you. There you do not belong to yourself,” the National Guard said.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
