Soldier’s Extraordinary Journey: From 88-Day Defense to Day-Long Trek to Safety
In an inspiring tale of resilience and bravery, a Ukrainian soldier’s journey has been recounted after spending 88 days defending a strategic stronghold on the left bank of the Dnipro river in the war-torn Krynka region. The story, shared by a source within the 126th Territorial Defense Brigade, details the soldier’s harrowing experience and subsequent escape, earning him the "Cross of Combat Merit."
The warrior, identified as Dmitry Korda, was part of a unit tasked with the defense of a crucial military bridgehead. He recollected, "The assaults were relentless, with up to 15 Russian attacks per day, coupled with continuous shelling." Despite these adversities, Korda and his comrades held their ground, demonstrating unyielding valor.
After three grueling months, Korda and his fellow soldiers attempted an evacuation. However, the retreat was foiled, leaving Korda stranded with a severe leg fracture. Undeterred, he traversed the treacherous river, crossing it twice due to a midstream island. Subsequently, he navigated through bogs, using a makeshift crutch, for nearly two kilometers before reaching his unit’s positions.
Korda’s odyssey saw him fight against unforgiving enemies and the raging elements, course of action that earned him the coveted "Cross of Combat Merit" from the President of Ukraine.
The Battle for Krynka
The Russian occupation forces initially seized Krynka at the outbreak of the full-scale war. It was only in November 2023 that Ukrainian forces were able to restore control of the area, establishing a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro. However, in July 2024, reports emerged detailing Ukrainian forces’ withdrawal from the village, with a staggering 788 troops reported missing since October 2023.
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