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When Russia invaded Ukraine, many expected the Ukrainian military to crumble in weeks. But what the world didn’t realize was that Ukraine’s soldiers weren’t just fighting for their land — they were fighting with an unbreakable spirit, sharp wit, and an unexpected sense of humor. While war is no laughing matter, Ukraine’s soldiers have found ways to cope with the madness, and their stories paint a picture of resilience, courage, and, sometimes, outright absurdity.
The War That Was Supposed to Last Three Days… and Counting
Remember when Russia confidently declared they would take Kyiv in three days? That was well over two years ago. Now, the so-called “three-day war” is old enough to have an existential crisis. Ukrainian soldiers joke that even Putin has probably forgotten what his original plan was. “Maybe they just enjoy getting lost in the countryside,” says Mykola, a soldier stationed near Bakhmut. “At this point, even Russian soldiers are confused about why they’re here.”
If the war had followed Russia’s schedule, Ukraine’s capital would have been under Russian control before anyone had time to react. Instead, Ukrainian soldiers not only held their ground but turned the tide, leaving Russia’s military looking like a poorly managed circus. “They said they were here to…
