Estonian soldiers fighting in Ukraine reveal what they miss most

Egert lives in an apartment with nine men. “It’s cold and there’s mostly no electricity. There’s been no electricity for 33 days now,” she says. “I’m currently renting an apartment again with my own money, because otherwise I’d be a popsicle right now. Most of the money we earn, around 40-50%, goes towards basic conditions,” Egert reveals.

The quality of food for soldiers varies from region to region. If Oleg claims that the soldiers in his area receive very decent food, Egert’s experience is the opposite. “I lost 35 kg of my weight. I used to weigh 100 kg and was muscular, now I have lost a lot. The Ukrainian army does not eat much food because it does not have good hygiene standards, which causes some problems. You have to buy better food with your money and do it yourself.”

Hearing the sounds of drones scares the shit out of me, nothing else is as scary.

Egert says he thinks about his loved ones every day. “I am in constant contact and seeing them excites me very much. It gives strength when you know that there are people who support you and support you: my family, my friends and the Estonian people, who supported us.”

Egert Photo: private collection

“For us, 10 euros are wealth here. We can live on this money for several days, because with 1-2 euros we can already buy a hot lunch,” says Egert, admitting that he has never felt so much poverty in his life. “I really appreciate everyone’s help.”

Since the help is sorely needed, the men share information with the non-governmental organization Rahu Nemel and are very grateful to everyone who helps.

Bank account: SWEDBANK AS LIIVALAIA 8, 15040 TALLINN

Iban: EE862200221080102655

Email: [email protected]

2023-12-02 16:49:00
estonian-soldiers-fighting-in-ukraine-reveal-what-they-miss-most