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Defender Ray: a conversation with the commander of the 45th Separate Airborne Brigade

In the world of RBTNK, there are 6 characters who together fight for victory: Defender, Medic, Rescuer (front) and Volunteer, Journalist, Worker (rear). These superheroes are among us: with their backgrounds, skills, and superpowers — different, but united by a common goal. We want the RBTNK community to know more about them. So in the new section Superheroes, we talk with our heroes about important things: why they chose this role, what their mission is, what they dream about, and what artifacts help them every day.


Today we are talking with Denys — a friend of Promin, commander of a platoon of the 45th Separate Airborne Brigade.

Who are you in civilian life?

Whether in the army or in civilian life I am me :) And I was engaged in architectural design. For example, even before serving in 2022-23, together with the Drozdov&Partners team, I won a competition for social housing in Lviv (on Mykolaychuka Street). I also taught for more than three years at the Kharkiv School of Architecture (KSHA) initially in Kharkiv, and then, already evacuated, we worked in Lviv.  

 

“Whether in the army or in civilian life — I am me»

 

And how did you choose your role in the war?

I am interested in organizing teams. The position I chose in the army allows me to simultaneously influence the outcome of combat actions and develop as a manager, a leader through the combination of a large number of tasks and responsibilities. I believe that my mission — to improve the quality of management and decision-making in the Armed Forces.


What gives you faith and stubbornness to fulfill this mission?

The realization that I, as a unit commander, influence my comrades — I their support and mediator in solving tasks. I am grateful for the opportunity to experience this and do this work. On the other hand, the fact that the choice is made, there is no turning back adds motivation. Therefore, I accept events, daily challenges, and allow myself to change, to be more persistent in what I do.

 

“My mission is to improve the quality of management and decision-making in the Armed Forces»

 

 

How do you think to build a bridge between the rear and the front?

Military — zremain humane, do not spread hatred! Acknowledge the influence of the rear, especially of certain organizations and volunteers. Softly promote why service is cool and important. To those in the rear — nnot to fall for disinformation and not to spread it. Volunteer, collect donations. Everyone is tired, but we must continue to do what the time requires of us.

 

Do you have a favorite story from work?

There are many, and mostly they are about very cool organized interaction between different units (which is not often achieved). This summer, we literally burned several enemy cannons to the ground. I also remember hitting a 155 mm shell directly into the Uragan MLRS. Pure satisfaction)  

 

“Everyone is tired, but we must continue to do what the time requires of us»


What are you dreaming about right now?

These are rather not dreams, but great desires: to be as useful in defending the country as I can. To survive. And also not to become a cold machine after years of service, but to become even more alive, deep, to support and deepen close relationships from a distance. 

 

“I dream of not becoming a cold machine after years of service, but to become even more alive, deep»

 

What artifacts are always with you?

A watch, quality liner, headphones, earplugs, a multitool, and an RBTNK token.

 

What does the inscription on the token say?

Live bright, Die standing. This is about clarity, courage, and self-sufficiency in every moment.

And lastly: if you could become any character in a game — who would you choose?

The hardest question, because I haven't played games in a long time :) Except for chess. It's cool to be a pawn that makes the final move to the opponent's square and chooses what piece it wants to become. In these cases, the opponent usually finds themselves in a tough spot)

 

Wear symbols that unite. Order RBTNK token, like in Ray, and join our community.

Text: Victoria Safronova

Photo: Artem Komendant

Style: Ray

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