Ukrainian 'Granddad' Defending Ancestral Cossack Homeland

A 63-year-old Ukrainian soldier with the call sign "Granddad" is fighting to defend his ancestral Cossack homeland in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya region.

***

RFE/RL has one of the largest local reporter networks in Ukraine and the region.

It includes reporting from frontline positions in Donbas to the vulnerable cities of across the country.

We serve as the trusted source of news locally in 23 countries without a free press.

#russia #ukraine

[peacehope]

Big respect to this grandad defender..ur a true hero in ur country..
Glory to all brave defenders of Ukraine 🙏❤️

[ultpjbc]

I hope they will make it out to tell their grandchildren about the struggle

[aaronjohn]

When a 63 year old grandpa is fighting for his children and his children's children that is all you need to know about the determination of the Ukrainian people.

[josepbenet]

All my respect for you all !! Proud of Cossack people!! Slava Ukraini!!

[LEgGOdt]

I’m amazed that even at their age, they’re still fit for combat.

[PierceStudent]

A realistic view. "We don't want another war in 10 years." A long way to go.

[xax]

The legendary Cossack warriors continue to today, their reputation precedes them, long live the Cossacks and this brave grandad.

[len]

Oh God please give these Ukraine defenders the spirit of courage, confident, wisdom and concentration and protection. Hope of freedom and peace. God help strengthen the defenders and deliver them from the illegal enemies. In the mighty name of Jesus is your shield, buckler, salvation and freedom. Shalom 🙏 🍀💕

[imyourdad]

All the power and glory to the legendary Cossacks.
SLAVA UKRAINE HEROYAM SLAVA.

[marlenfras]

Well done. Good reporting. Go Ukraine.

[MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Wow! Appreciate this story. So many more are left to share with us. Thank you from Eastern Canadian household, our monthly donations continue and so far 3 donations to the sniffers 69th brigade...more vehicles to the frontlines of Ukraine amazing, brave, smart, intelligent Army! 💝🇨🇦 💪🇺🇦 💙💛🇺🇦

[jagga-jagga]

Remember the first video you did with these same men. Glad to see they are still alive.

"I would rather fight and wear this heavy equipment than the light collar of a slave" or something close to it but one of my fav quotes..

[Shibalove]

God bless you guy’s…Love & hugs from a 70 year old grandfather from Florida, USA.
Sending you love, extended reach munitions & soon…F-16’s & Abrams and a whole
lot of cool big boy toys that go…
BADA-BOOM! 💥💥🔥💥💥BADA-BOOM!! 👍🏼😎 Jaga-Jaga as Magyar loves to say!
💪🏼🇺🇦Slava Ukrani🇺🇦🤝🏼🇺🇸

[seasoul]

Уважение бесконечное
И старым и молодым воинам
Украины.
На их стороне добро и они победят.

[ivancho]

Tough as nails. 👍
Slava Ukraine. 🇺🇦🇬🇧

[North-of-the-th]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦. ❤️ from Canada 🇨🇦.
RESPECT.

[hansericsson]

Slava Ukraini!💛💙 love and respect from Sweden💛💙

[mishaillich]

My respects to this man who despite his age is at the foot of the canyon defending his homeland!

[gregorydesleskine]

Слава дідові. Я теж нащадок запорізького козака і якби я жив в Україні, то одразу б приєднався до нього. Glory to the grandfather. I am also a descendant of a Zaporhizian Cossak and if I was living in Ukraine I would join him immediately. SLAVA UKRAINI !!

[lorysutherland]

Thank-You Warriors.. Grandpa is my age.. Much Respect.