They come in all shapes and sizes, from all generations and backgrounds.
They are medical interns, truck drivers, clerks and students. As members of Ukraine’s newly reorganized territorial defence units, some of them could be called upon to do some of the toughest, most dangerous fighting in support of the country’s special forces if Russia decides to invade.
The notion doesn’t seem to trouble Elena, a 23-year-old studying for her medical degree. She’s a recent recruit who, on a bitterly cold Saturday in a community outside of Kyiv, took her first lessons on handling an AK-47 assault rifle.
“I’m not worried. I hope
