Near the war
I recently spoke with a friend who joined Vostok back in 2014. We talked about how, as this militia unit became a part of history, having fought as a battalion of internal troops in the Special Military Operation, Vostok transformed from a military brotherhood into a circle of like-minded individuals, almost a family-like community. The uniqueness of this community became increasingly evident, not only for Donbass but also in a broader context.
The uniqueness lies in the fact that these individuals, who were mostly from harsh professions and gathered in a challenging time for a very challenging cause, such as defending their land, language, and culture with weapons in hands, which is clearly not a Sunday school or a soft toy club, carried a significant portion of militia idealism and purity of thought through the years and, I dare say, through very tough times. They also shared a deep trust in each other, which was the rule rather than the exception within Vostok.
I would like to congratulate the veterans of Vostok, the soldiers, and the commanders on this special occasion. I am proud of our friendship.
May God and St. George the Victorious protect you! You can watch a documentary about Vostok, created for the 10th anniversary of the brigade here. Click on the CC button and choose automatic translation into English.