Thousands of Ukrainians have stepped up to defend their nation amid deadly hostility from invading Russian forces. A former beauty queen is reportedly among the many willing to risk their lives and safety for their love of country.
Anastasiia Lenna, 31, a former Miss Grand Ukraine, is purportedly training to defend her homeland.
Multiple media outlets reported that Lenna, a 2015 Miss Grand International beauty contestant, reportedly took to social media to show she’s planning to defend Ukraine.
“Everyone who crosses the Ukrainian border with the intent to invade will be killed!” she wrote on Instagram, according to Sky News.
The Daily Mail noted that Lenna is among the many local Ukrainians rising to take a stand against Russian aggression. She reportedly posted an Instagram photo holding a rifle.
The exact details surrounding Lenna’s involvement aren’t clear, but she has also been posting messages encouraging support for Ukraine’s armed forces and the nation’s continued push against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s violent onslaught.
Lenna’s story is only the latest to emerge in Ukraine as thousands rush to enlist in the military. Among the masses taking such brave steps are some deeply prominent people willing to risk their lives for the cause.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is among those willing to battle for the soul — and the very existence — of his country. When the U.S. offered to evacuate Zelenskyy from Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, he rebuffed the offer.
“The fight is here,” he reportedly said. “I need ammunition — not a ride.”
Then there’s Volodymyr Omelyan, a man who served as the nation’s infrastructure minister from 2016 to 2019. He enlisted in the military, said goodbye to his family, and is confident Ukraine will be victorious.
“I’m not a natural-born killer, and I never dreamed to be that type of guy,” he told NPR, noting, though, that he plans to defend his nation and loved ones. “We will win.”
Then there’s Dr. Marta Yuzkiv, a mother who joined the military last April as issues with Russia intensified. She’s now planning to leave her family and fight.
“I need to go,” she said. “I won’t allow them to take our land and our freedom. They don’t believe in our right to exist. We have to defend, and we will win.”
Talked with Prime Minister of Japan @kishida230. Thanked for a strong support to 🇺🇦 in countering aggression. 🇯🇵 allocates $100 million to the already approved aid of $100 million, fully supports tough sanctions against Russia. Thank you! A truly global anti-war coalition works.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 28, 2022
As The Washington Post noted, the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces had been preparing and training for months. Yuzkiv, it seems, is no exception, as there are reportedly 130,000 volunteers in the ranks.
The bravery and resolve on display are staggering. Yevgeniy Belinkyi, a 19-year-old, is among those proving just has determined the Ukrainian people are to win this battle.
“What’s there to be afraid of?” the teen said. “When I’m sitting around, I’m scared. And here there’s nothing to fear. Here, I know what’s happening, and I hope my loved ones will be all right. I will make sure they are all right.”
So far, Ukrainian forces have given Russians a much harder run than they imagined, shocking and astonishing not only Putin but the world. Continue to pray for the Ukrainian people during this difficult and uncertain time.
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