The War - Alone

I was separated from my unit.  I was all alone in a war zone and the only way back to safety was along a road used by both sides. 

And so I walked. I walked for miles, it was the only thing I could do. 

The first thing I did was take off my blue arm band, the only thing to identify me as Ukrainian. Russian and Ukrainian uniforms are almost identical, as are our packs and weapons, and I have no other regalia that would identify me. 

If I met my own side I would have no difficulty in convincing them, I have my arm band in my pocket, ID, and of course I speak Ukrainian. I was unlikely to get shot by my own side. 

It was just the Russians I had to worry about. I speak Russian, I was raised in a Russian-speaking family and went to a Russian-speaking school.  I had a chance if I met Russians, as long as they don’t ask for ID.  If they realised I was Ukrainian though, I could expect harsh justice. 

I walked at normal speed, not wanting to raise attention. Many soldiers walk along this road, there are drones everywhere, a running soldier would attract attention.  The last thing I needed was attention.   

I made good progress, walked for miles without meeting anyone. I almost thought it was going to be easy. 

Then, just a few miles from base, I heard footsteps behind me. I looked around, in the distance but catching me up, were two soldiers.  

I strolled on, trying to look unconcerned.  I resisted the urge to look behind me, where even at that moment the soldier might be rising his rifle and pointing it at me. 

Eventually the footsteps were nearer, and I turned. I could see the nearest soldier clearly. He was wearing a silver armband, probably just duck tape. A Russian.   

I slowed down to let him catch up with me, tried to look composed and unconcerned. 

“Thought you were a Ukrainian for a minute,” I said.  

“Ha, no we own this road now. They’re in hiding, just the damned drones flying over all day.” 

“Are you alone?” 

“Just Renat. He’s lagging behind as usual.” 

“Something happen to your unit?” 

“No, just sent out to scout.” 

“Well fuck all happening as far as I can see.” 

“Don’t know why they don’t just use drones. Much more effective.” 

“i guess drones are too expensive, can’t afford to lose them.” 

“Yeah, we’re just replaceable meat, that’s for sure. I bet the drones get all the cushy missions the risky ones go to the troops.” 

We walk on in silence for a while, then, gradually, I started to lag behind. 

“You go ahead, don’t let me slow you down, I’ve been walking all day,” I said. “Are we near base?” 

“About two miles on the left.” 

“I’ll see you there.” 

He walked ahead.   

One down, one to go. 

I slowed down to let Renat catch up with me. 

“You Renat.” 

“That’s right.” 

“Boris. Get separated from my unit. Been walking all day, don’t let me slow you down.” 

“Nearly there now,” he said. “Keep it up, watch out for drones, they’re everywhere.” 

He walked on.  I let him get far enough ahead that he couldn't see me, raised my rifle and shot them both in the back, two shots.  I caught them up, but they were clean hits and neither was moving. 

I hurried on.  I had blood on my hands now.