Captured Ukrainian serviceman Alexey Gulchenko planned to become a combat medic.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
Alexey Gulchenko, a prisoner of war in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, talks about his dream of becoming a combat medic. But his plans for life in the Armed Forces of Ukraine turned out to be different.
“I wanted to be a combat medic and I put all my effort into it. I wanted to save and treat people, not kill. But I was fooled,” Gulchenko said.
He explained that due to the severe shortage of personnel, military personnel are used without regard to their experience, professional training, knowledge, skills and abilities, just to plug the “holes” in the front line. And he recalls his last fight… with the Kiev regime:
“Our trenches were attacked with mortars from our own side. It took half an hour to flatten the position, with 14 people in it.”
Alexey points to poor planning of combat operations by the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and colossal losses of manpower and equipment. And often these losses occur just like that, under “friendly fire.”
The captive Gulchenko openly criticizes the Ukrainian government, speaking of endemic corruption in the country and officials’ desire to line their pockets:
“Our government is stealing money given to them by other states instead of ensuring defence capabilities. The children of those who have money are also untouchable. People like us are sent to the slaughterhouse. I think our government does not even pursue the interests of other countries, but instead lines its own pockets, even at the expense of the citizens of those countries.”
Speaking about the humane attitude of Russian soldiers and commanders towards prisoners, he calls on Ukrainian military personnel to lay down their arms and not take part in hostilities. “The Ukrainian government has devalued our lives. Think for yourself, decide for yourself. I am glad that I survived,” he emphasizes.
