There are screams and moans in a forest clearing outside Kyiv. The sound of dull blows echoes between the pines. Both smoke and grunts come out of the throats. No one bows down. The blows with the padded bats hail over shields and backs.
– So damn good, shouts a blond young soldier right into the air.
The fight is in a built-up ring of wooden stakes is part of a therapy activity for war-traumatized soldiers. A volunteer group that calls itself “Buhurt Sich” organizes the meetings every Saturday. Anyone who so wishes can show up from the nearby state-run trauma center where several hundred patients receive treatment.
– It helps to reduce stress levels and perhaps replaces a few meetings with a psychologist. Fighting like this feels very liberating, says Olexandr Alifirov, 58-year-old ex-soldier, gesturing to his comrades fighting next door.
Experiences of torture
According to one of the centre’s psychologists, Dana Murzova, many of the patients here have had difficult experiences of torture, captivity and shell shock.
– There are many who carry severe trauma. We specialize in treating people who have been imprisoned and tortured. This is another method that helps to rehabilitate people with various traumatic experiences. We have seen quite good results, she says.
The message to Putin
One of the volunteer group’s characteristics is the connection to medieval live games and several in the group dress up in period clothing. Sausages are grilled over an open fire in the winter cold and steaming hot soup is served from wooden mugs.
For the veterans, it’s a welcome break. It will be a place for jokes, community and an arena where you can beat the crap out of your friend without anyone getting hurt.
– It’s not just about battles and battles, but about a large community where you can share your experiences, says Dana Murzova.
One of Oleksander’s soldier friends, Igor Lentsov, smiles happily with snowdrops rising from his mouth and sends a message to Vladimir Putin.
– Victory for us. Glory to Ukraine, he says.