This footage, provided by the BBC, shows the perspective of a Ukrainian squad leader fighting in the Serebryansʹkyy Forest. Casualties, both Ukrainian and Russian, are shown at comparatively close range, and therefore viewer discretion is advised.

The squad leader/cameraman, Vovan, narrates the incident as it unfolds. He is unable to reach two of his comrades, Adidas and Fury, via radio. They were evidently manning a nearby observation post before going quiet. As he sets out to find his mates, a scene like a horror movie unfolds as he spots Russian corpses all around. I should stress that the musical score here was added by BBC as part of a recent documentary.

Vovan reaches the dugout where Fury and Adidas were posted at 01:55. It, too, is surrounded by Russian KIAs. He and another squadmate clear the dugout, where Vovan tragically finds his missing soldiers both dead. The many KIAs around the dugout give a testament to how they went out- their little hole in a dense forest turned into a personal Thermopylae.

A short time later, Vovan is hailed on the radio. A Russian has been spotted nearby- presumably a survivor of the attack on Adidas and Fury. At 04:13, Vovan spots the Russian and opens fire. Even though the Russian is still moving, the Ukrainian finds himself having to reload. The adrenaline in his breathing is audible. He presses forward and finishes the Russian off at 04:45. A grenade is apparently armed by the dying man, though it goes off harmlessly. Nearby, another Russian is spotted, and appears to be wounded, as he can be heard moaning. Vovan does not spare him. He loots the Russian bodies and the video ends as he descends into one of their dugouts.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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