“No greater joy for warrior than dying in battle.” Ukrainian combat medic’s poignant farewell letter

Oleksandra “Mike” Mulkevych, a combat medic with the Hospitallers Medical Battalion, was killed near the village of Bilyi Kolodiaz, Kharkiv Oblast, on 14 August 2024. Her vehicle was hit by an enemy FPV drone as she and her comrades were finishing their final day of rotation, just one day before they were set to return home, reported Yana Zinkevych, head of the Hospitallers Medical Battalion. Kharkiv police chief Serhii Bolvinov declared that two medics were killed. The blast from the Russian drone also hit a civilian vehicle traveling in the same direction. The three passengers were wounded and immediately evacuated.

Oleksandra, known by her call sign "Mike," left a profound impact on those who served with her. Born on 27 March 1989, she is remembered by her fellow Hospitallers for her strong character and commitment. Colleagues described her as a versatile and reliable figure within the battalion. Her willingness to help and her ability to create a positive atmosphere stood out to those who worked alongside her. One Hospitaller recalled how quickly they became friends, working on adjacent crews, and noted her skills as a driver, combat medic, and team leader.

Mike’s supportive nature was evident throughout her service. She was a role model to newcomers, always ready to support and inspire those around her. Her influence extended beyond her immediate actions, challenging perceptions of gender roles in conflict. One Hospitaller noted that her presence made outdated notions, like “Women have no place in war,” disappear entirely.

Oleksandra’s husband Maksym announced that she had left a farewell letter in case of her death on the frontline. He read the letter at her funeral service in Kyiv and posted it on her Facebook page, where it was widely shared by Ukrainians.

If you are reading this, know that there is no greater joy for a warrior than to die in battle. We are all warriors in some way - some on the battlefield, some fighting corruption, some restoring justice in the courts. Our people battle incurable diseases, and our scientists challenge gravity. We are a warrior nation, passionate about freedom. Ukrainians are free people, and this cannot be taken from us. We are free in our thoughts, views, and actions. We have no limits - not in technology or discoveries. Whatever we wish for, we can achieve. I was fortunate to be born in Ukraine, the best country in the world. It is a country for which it is an honor to die, and even better to live for. To live for many of us, and for several lifetimes. To educate young Ukrainians in love for the world, in strength and indestructibility. To show them the beauty of Karadag [in Crimea], the slag heaps in the Donbas, protected spits, estuaries, the largest caves, and the red ruta [mythological flower]. Each of us carries a flame inside. Don’t be afraid to ignite it. We’ll see each other again. Ukraine will be forever!

In May 2024, Iryna Tsybukh, 25, a well-known Ukrainian combat medic of the Hospitallers Medical Battalion, was killed on the Kharkiv front a few days before her 26th birthday. She also left a farewell letter, which her younger brother shared on social media.