“If everything is fine at home, then it’s easy to hold your position,” says Second Lieutenant Dmytro Surin

Home /Media Education, Slider/“If everything is fine at home, then it’s easy to hold your position,” says Second Lieutenant Dmytro Surin

Every call and conversation with those who are bringing us closer to victory is worth its weight in gold. It is not easy to find a free moment when a person is performing tasks in combat zones and is responsible for various tasks.

This interview took place thanks to a rare break in the busy schedule of Dmytro Surin, second lieutenant and commander of the first self-propelled artillery battery of the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade.

Tell us a little about yourself. When did you join the service and why?

My name is Dmytro, I am 25 years old. I have been defending our country since I was 18. I joined the service on March 29, 2018, and signed a contract.

Why did I join the army? Because I was filled with patriotism. I remember hearing my father talk about joining the Armed Forces, but I said, “I’ll go, and you stay at home with the family.” I didn’t see the point in continuing my education and going to college. It seemed then that my country needed me more than the university did.

What position do you currently hold and what are your main responsibilities?

I am currently a battery commander with the rank of second lieutenant.

My responsibilities? Actually, there are many, and they are all important. Perhaps the greatest responsibility is to control the security of combat operations: you need to be able to think through every step in advance and know the situation on the front line so that the guys can move safely and carry out their tasks. There is also secondary work—documentation.

– What is the most difficult part of your job right now?

– The most difficult thing is the lack of armored vehicles to transport ammunition.

The conditions are difficult, the enemy is actively using drones, and there is a shortage of personnel. Incomplete staffing is also a constant problem.

– Is it possible to change this? What reforms do you think should be implemented in the army?

– That’s an interesting question… First of all, we need to move away from Soviet rules in many aspects of warfare. Secondly, we need to increase salaries so that personnel have an incentive to continue serving, because currently, monetary compensation is often withdrawn, and the engineering of firing positions, the delivery of ammunition and provisions are not paid for. This means that people in hot spots often risk their lives for free. Thirdly, Soviet weapon systems need to be replaced so that artillery can operate at longer ranges, because enemy drones have a long range, which reduces effectiveness. There is also no equipment for the engineering of firing positions – the guys dig trenches for self-propelled guns by hand, sometimes larger than a tank.

– What reminds you of home or gives you a sense of peace there, at your positions?

– If everything is fine at home, then it’s easy at the positions. The main thing is to know that my family is safe. My beloved wife always supports me, for which I am infinitely grateful to her. She always helps us with preparations and secondary issues. Although she is now in Dnipro, under shelling, she is holding on. Even a few words from my beloved make it easier. I also love listening to the song “Chuzhaya Ya” — it reminds me a lot of home.

– How does civilian life feel during leave?

– Sometimes I don’t want to go out in public. I’m not used to it anymore. I just want to lie quietly at home. It’s a life I have to get used to all over again.

– What would you like to say to those who are currently living behind the front lines?

– If you don’t want to go and defend the country, at least don’t neglect to help the Armed Forces. It’s very difficult for us. We open training sessions that last for months, and sometimes we close them on our own. It hurts to hear, “We didn’t send you there.” I want to say to such people: be human!

– What do you dream of doing after victory?

– Buying a house and traveling the world with my family. I believe that will happen soon.

– Is there anyone among your comrades who you remember in particular?

– There are many. I remember and respect each one of them. They all make a great contribution to the defense of our country.

– In short, who or what are you fighting for?

– For my family, of course.

Speaking about his path – from youthful patriotism to battery command – Dmytro also outlined the situation on the front line. His words about Soviet approaches and the critical lack of funding are the voice of a man who is sacrificing his own life to meet the needs of his unit. The dream of a home and travel after Victory gives him strength, but its approach depends on everyone: while our defenders hold their positions, the rear must provide them with everything they need for this struggle. That is the only thing that matters now.

A step towards victory: closing the fundraiser for transport

Unfortunately, during one of the recent missions, an enemy drone hit the vehicle that the battery used to transport ammunition. Thanks to a quick reaction, the personnel were saved, but the vital transport was lost.

That is why an urgent fundraiser has been launched to purchase another vehicle — a Volkswagen T4 — that will be able to quickly and safely deliver everything necessary for the 1st Artillery Battalion of the 57th Mechanized Brigade. Every hryvnia is a contribution to the safety of our defenders and ensuring their combat readiness.

You can join the fundraiser and help the artillerymen by following this link:
send.monobank.ua/jar/2B3gMpk8HK