Captain Alina Mykhailova, born into a Russian-speaking family in Dnipro, is now one of the most influential women in Ukraine. A thorn in the side of Mayor Vitali Klitschko as a councilwoman in the Kiev City Council, she has been literally fighting against the Russians since 2014. After losing her husband, Dmytro Kotsiubailo, alias 'Da Vinci', decorated as a "hero of Ukraine", in the city of Bakhmut, she has continued on the front lines as the head of a medical battalion in Pokrosvk, the most contested area of the war.
How do you feel after fighting against Russia and its allies since 2014?
Very tired. But despite our difficult situation tactically, we continue and will continue to fight.
Three years ago, I interviewed you when the large-scale invasion began. You said you were very strong morally. How do you feel now?
The situation is much more difficult than in 2022. It has been a worthwhile endeavor. Fighting is the cross I have to bear. It is my destiny, my task. Sometimes I fantasize about living a normal life away from the front and far from war, but I can't anymore. It's too late for me. I have never been able to understand people who remain indifferent to what is happening, who lack empathy.
Will you ever forgive Russian soldiers?
For me, it is impossible. The only possible response is revenge, not only for my personal history. It goes beyond that. From the Holodomor [famine induced by Stalin] and the Russian occupations of our territory, this is a war that transcends my generation. It is the war we inherited from our grandparents against the invader.
How many of your comrades are still alive from those days of combat at Donetsk airport in 2014?
Very few. My unit defended the airport, the control towers of the runways, and the village of Pisky. Only a few of those who fought with me are still alive.
Today, the front line in Pokrovsk is 35 kilometers from the area where I fought in 2014. To advance those 35 kilometers, Russia has sacrificed tens of thousands of lives in three years. Is that a military victory?
It is not a victory, but it is evident that they have the initiative on the battlefield. They have lost many people, but so have we. No one knows the real numbers. We in the medical battalion know our own numbers but are unaware of many missing.
Is it time to negotiate with Putin? Is peace with the Russian regime possible?
I do not support the idea of negotiating now. The Ukrainian army is still capable not only of defending but also of counterattacking, but we need to face two changes: on one hand, modify the structure of our army and stop creating new brigades with inexperienced recruits, and on the other hand, carry out a complete mobilization, not partial as we have now. Many politicians are already starting to think in electoral terms and do not want to make unpopular decisions, but it is not the time to vote but to act.
Has your unit received international aid?
Last March, we began training new recruits for five months with the promise of immediate delivery of Western armored vehicles to transport our infantry, but they arrived this January. Until then, we fought only with Kalashnikovs. That's how everything works.
What do you think of young Ukrainians who hide or flee across the border to avoid conscription?
They are traitors. Europe could start returning these Ukrainians to our army as they would be a valuable human resource for us. I know they are not motivated to fight, but there are many people who are fulfilling their duty and are not motivated either.
What is a typical day on the front line like for you?
Every day, we have to disinfect the evacuation ambulances and attend to the wounded. We have no fixed working hours. My team consists of 12 doctors, 18 drivers, and as many hygienists... There should be a rotation of personnel every eight hours, but it is never fulfilled. We have some severely wounded patients that require all doctors to work at once. Also, since we have the windows covered with sandbags, we don't see sunlight, and there comes a point where we don't know if it's day or night. We sleep when we can and have physical problems.
Do you feel the moral pressure of having been the wife of a soldier decorated as a "hero of Ukraine" by Zelenskiy?
That pressure exists, but I try not to pay attention to it. It is a responsibility for me to continue fighting for the freedom of Ukraine, remaining faithful to the example of my fallen comrades.
You are also a well-known politician in your country. Do you see yourself as the first female candidate for the presidency at some point?
I am very critical of myself. I have a great imposter syndrome, both in combat medicine and in politics. I have never thought about running for presidential elections, but now that you mention it, I will consider it [laughs].