Viktoria joined the army immediately after graduating from secondary school and gradually rose to become the commander of an artillery unit. From the very beginning, she took part in the fighting in the Donetsk region, where her brigade continues to operate to this day. For her service, she has received numerous military honours and was included in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Ukraine list.
Today, the lives of soldiers holding positions directly on the front line depend on the work of Viktoria and her unit. In addition to destroying enemy positions and mining the opponent’s access routes, she is primarily responsible for ensuring logistical supplies for these soldiers — delivering food, water and ammunition. She is extremely difficult to replace and, despite exhaustion, feels a duty to continue her work.
Viktoria is arriving together with her superior, Michal S., for leave granted by the brigade commander. Over the past year, the two of them have had fewer than five days off in total. Despite this, they have decided to dedicate part of their stay to supporting the 56th Mariupol Brigade and expressing their gratitude for Czech support for Ukraine.
Join us for an evening discussion with Runa and volunteers Mac and Laura, moderated by Bob Kartous. You will learn what the war looks like today on one of the most difficult sections of the front line, how drones and logistics operate in the most exposed areas, and what challenges Ukrainian soldiers face every day. The opening discussion will be followed by a Q&A with the audience, and the evening will conclude with a charity auction. All proceeds will go towards purchasing additional equipment for Runa’s unit.
Mac served in the Czech Armed Forces for more than twenty years. Since August 2022, he has worked as a volunteer in Ukraine, providing direct support to soldiers and civilians in the areas most affected by the war.
Laura Przybylaková is a lawyer and volunteer in Ukraine. She focuses on supporting soldiers and documenting war crimes committed by the Russian army.
