'I live in the earth': A soldier’s perspective on Ukraine's shifting frontlines
Valentin Bogdanov, once a pastry chef and construction worker, now commands a tank on the Ukrainian frontlines. His life transitioned from the precision of confectionery to the rhythmic roar of metal treads following the Russian invasion.
CNN footage captures Bogdanov inside his armored vehicle, a stark departure from his pre-war routine. Before the conflict, he supported his family through diverse trades, enjoying seaside holidays that have now been rendered impossible by the occupation.
The domestic cost of duty
Bogdanov attempts to shield his family from the visceral realities of the trenches. When his daughter asks about his conditions, he admits to "living in the earth," framing the hardship as a professional responsibility rather than a grievance.
This subterranean existence is the direct result of a radical shift in combat dynamics. Bogdanov explains that the era of traditional tank duels has vanished, replaced by the omnipresent threat of FPV drones.
The death of open-field maneuvers
Armor can no longer venture into open fields without facing immediate destruction from increasingly powerful loitering munitions. This technological evolution has effectively forced armored units into a more static or concealed tactical role.
Despite the mounting pressure and the psychological toll of the conflict, Bogdanov remains resolute against territorial concessions. He views any surrender as a betrayal of the families and children left behind by fallen soldiers.
A staggering human toll
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that total casualties in the four-year conflict have reached nearly two million individuals. For Bogdanov, these figures represent more than data; they are the motivation to hold every meter of ground.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
