Why we need funny pics during wartime

by Oleksiy Haran

“Why are funny pics needed?” ponders gun commander, Gosha (a mobilized computer geek from Chernivtsi) “…it’s like preparing a fireworks show, lighting a bonfire. What’s more, you can even throw in different words.”

“What words?” I ask.

“Well, for example, “Putin KHU … O!”

I have long hesitated about publishing this article on humour and war, especially after the death of Tania Chornovol’s husband. I did not know him personally, but I saw him in the Azov Battalion. Dry statistics about deaths, obituaries are both frightening and painful. But when statistics apply to specific people, it becomes even more painful.

It is quite banal to state that war is death. But people remain people. In order to survive and defeat an enemy that is armed to the teeth, as well as vile and cynical aggression, we all need a strong spirit and moral superiority. also, humanity… that is demonstrated by our soldiers who immediately hand over their own humanitarian aid to hungry residents of a liberated town or village. Humanity… that was demonstrated by an entrepreneur from Berdiansk who shut down his business and took a machine gun in his hands, but says it’s hard to shoot separatists because “after all, they’re people too”.

There’s also a certain humour that’s everywhere in war. So, here are some previously-posted photos that I’ve collected into a separate album.

Yellow armbands – to set the guys apart. Our people like a good laugh

This guy said he wasn’t a Shakhtar fan, but he picked the banner up from the street, said he was “ashamed” for Shakhtar. They hung it in the bus with “PTN-PNKh” plates

Volunteers arrived in 3 cars with these license plates

This man is 62! Look at his cool shoelaces

Sad fate for a Russian flag

Political education from “Murziknyus” (Espresso TV). By the way, I recommend it… quite funny

Canteen at Aidar basecamp

The boys said that grenade elements make classy cognac snifters. So, I got a set of six as a gift

Nicknames are another story. This is “Dude”, according to the Aidar commander – “God’s representative on earth” (acts as coordinator for the army on the front lines)

Here are BENdera (left) and Padre

CSSA (Kalashnikov Folding Short) – called “Ksiusha” (endearment) or “bitch”, depending on the mood

18-year-old Bohdan grew up in a Kyiv orphanage. He claims that “street life” and ultras taught him everything

Bohdan is in charge of the automatic grenade launcher… serious stuff!

Bohdan tries on “humanitarian aid”

Lenin wearing a blue and yellow scarf in liberated Sloviansk