Former Israeli Soldier Serving In Ukrainian Army Awaits Russian Offensive

NEW YORK (VINnews) — In a Yediot Aharonot interview, Grigory (Grisha) Pibovrov, who once served in the Israeli Golani brigade, described his current experiences in the Ukrainian army. The 40-year-old soldier is an officer in one of the crack units in the army which is now tensely awaiting a possible Russian invasion of the Ukraine.

“We are performing guard duties and securing the border. The enemy has become much aggressive and provocative recently and is violating the cease fire openly,” Pibovrov says, adding that “the morale of the army is high and the country is prepared. Our army is well prepared for different scenarios, we have a good response available thanks to the US and Britain. If Russia would have wanted to attack, it would already have attacked us. A dog which bites doesn’t bark. These threats are empty, we are defending our land, they are the invaders, they are the ones bringing war here. We will fight to the end and achieve victory.”

Grigory immigrated to Israel at the age of 9 from St. Petersburg, Russia and followed an unusual path. His family first lived in Haifa, then in Kibbutz Malkiya in the north, then in Kiryat Shmona and after his mother’s death completing his school studies in a religious school in Migdal Ha’Emek. After serving in the army’s Golani brigade, Grigory worked in various jobs but later decided to leave Israel. Eight years ago he arrived in the Ukraine where his friend persuaded him to enlist in the Ukrainian army.