It is clear that Vasyl Krupych experienced horrors in the war.

He volunteered from the beginning and has survived some of the cruelest battles.

Krupych is proud of his service (a tattoo on his neck declares “Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine”), but suffers from nightmares.

When his vehicle was hit by an FPV drone, he was seriously injured, but managed to drag a friend to safety. He saw two others burned to death.

Now, when we talk about the increase in attacks against recruited officers, his words drip with pain.

It’s not just about what he himself suffered: that case is still in court. It is also the chasm between what he has endured and those who do everything they can to prevent the same.

“We are doing our duty. We fought, we defended our people and now they are attacking us.”

I wonder what you think might motivate people to serve, rather than coerce them, and you mention raising salaries.

But then he shrugs.

“It can’t be done any other way, it can’t be done. Our guys need to be replaced. But no one volunteers,” he says.

“Everyone is afraid of dying.”