Sisters in arms. Anastasia "Mermaid" Leonova 

On how to gain authority in the army, not to go crazy from the most terrifying job, on motivation and inspiration, as well as plans after victory, – read in the interview below.

On motivation

I couldn’t not go to war, physically and morally. I completed the tactical medicine instructor course in 2015. But after that, I lived a civilian life for a while. I believe a person shouldn’t go to war to gain something. War gives nothing. The people who go to war because they cannot help but do so, have the best motivation, those are the “right kind” of military, let’s say so.

On life “before”

I was a sommelier, I owned a wine school. After that, I worked at an artisanal winery and conducted tastings. You could say I was an artist of the spoken genre.

How did you get to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine?

I was simply asked to come and conduct a training. The next day they made me an offer that I couldn’t refuse. Prejudiced attitudes in the army exist towards everyone, regardless of gender, starting with the Military Commissariat itself. They are already prejudiced against those who volunteer to serve. Those whom they “pick up” ( sometimes those are people with various diseases, unfit for service neither in wartime nor in peacetime) are easily sent to serve. On the other hand, people who come there willingly, have to go through circles of hell, including a full medical examination, which lasts three days.

On attitude towards women in the army

I know of the cases when they try to refuse a woman from the service, saying that “women don’t belong here.” But these are some absolutely terrible chauvinistic statements, which are now much less common. But again, I’m a medic, I’m not going to join the artillery or something like that, although I know many who serve there.

On the combat role

I am a paramedic of a Separate Rifle Battalion. Last summer, I worked on evacuation sites and dealt with the wounded. At some point, due to the fact that I was not officially registered in the battalion, I was removed. I accompanied patients till they got to a doctor. I had my own small infirmary and I also worked a lot in it.

Expectations vs. reality

It wasn’t written anywhere that we would have to get everything for ourselves. On paper, we must be supplied with tactical medicine and conventional medicine. But in reality, we always have to get everything ourselves. Because the army gives us either nothing or not exactly what’s needed. Many things are provided to us by volunteers.

On achievements

 I have served in the same battalion for 13 months! And no one died in my arms yet.

How did the war change you?

I became more mature and responsible. Infantile thoughts disappeared, like “What will they think”, “How will I ever figure this out”, and “I don’t know anything about this”. I learned to take responsibility quickly and easily.

What is the most difficult and the most scary thing in the war?

Burying the people you knew. Probably the most terrifying moment is when you have to zip up a bag with “cargo 200”(a military code word referring to the transportation of military fatalities, – editors’ note), especially when there is the body of someone you recently hugged. Bring the last uniform he wore to the morgue. I’ve done this kind of work and it was very difficult.

On authority

I’m a tactical medicine instructor, I establish my authority by saying things like: “Listen carefully to what I am saying, bi*ch, otherwise you’ll die very quickly.” And, as a rule, it helped. I have always had excellent relations with almost everyone. Again, they saw my work. If you really care, it shows.

Tips for the newly drafted

We must get rid of the notion that war is somehow fun and there is something romantic about it. Yes, we laugh all the time, but that’s just not to go crazy. War gives you nothing, it takes everything away from you. It is necessary to prepare – so do more physical exercises. You don’t need biceps but do the workouts for your back, general health, and for sure – legs. 5 kg (about 11lb, – editors’ note) of dirt on each shoe will very quickly show that you haven’t worked out your legs. Everyone’s back says “bye” quickly,  so train, go hiking, and learn to do something with your hands. Hipsters are all fun and cool, but if you can’t cut a log, you’re a crappy fighter.

On the female uniform

There is no good quality official female uniform. Whatever was issued to us in the Armed Forces we had to alter. In fact, we practically do not use the official uniform. It is worn until the first salary, and then everyone buys themselves a good uniform.

On inspiration

I am inspired by my faith in the Victory, in us being on the “right” side, and my belief that this evil empire will one day devour itself. Because everything it does is disgusting.

About the Victory

After our Victory, I will get drunk. I will drink for a week, dance on the tables, celebrate. Preferably in a dress, because I’m already very tired of the uniform. And on a serious note, I don’t know, maybe I will have a baby.