In this video with English subtitles, a Ukrainian soldier observes the liberated village of Staromaiorske. The Russians claimed that they were “liberating” the village, and their efforts have left it entirely destroyed. The camera operator observes that the street used to be paved but that the pavement is gone. He takes the time to comment on a deceased Russian soldier, and then takes a Russian AK-12 with suppressor.

Staromaiorske is in western Donetsk, and its capture places AFU that much closer to Mariupol on the Sea of Azov. From this video it is apparent that, for the Ukrainians, the financial as well as the human cost of recovering territory will be substantial, and the bill will be paid for years to come.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through sailing.