«I am not a granny, I am a soldier»

Tetyana Tepliuk is 72 years old. She is a combat medic serving with «Azov». She went through the Revolution of Dignity, providing help at a field aid station. Her life has also included the 2022 siege of «Azovstal» and Russian captivity.

Tetyana joined «Azov» in 2015. That same year she went to Mariupol.

In 2022 she stayed with the unit, provided medical aid, and was eventually taken prisoner.

«My greatest fear was dying in captivity. I accepted the fact of being a prisoner philosophically. Did I want to be in the army? Yes. War is part of military life, and captivity is a completely possible trial during war. I told this to the girls in the cell as well», she recalls.

Tetyana returned from captivity on New Year’s Eve 2023. Even then she had no thoughts of a “well-earned rest.” She refused to stay at home and, after a short time, went back to service.

Tetyana plans to serve until victory and believes that age is no obstacle to fulfilling one’s duties if the will and health are there.

«Older people in the army can be of great use. They are experienced, patient with circumstances and tolerant of others; they can calmly do their job. Who, if not older people, will support the young?» she says.