In Kharkiv Oblast, a father and his son defend the Motherland in one of the border guard divisions. Roman has already served in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine for over 20 years. Vladyslav became a border guard in 2018, having just finished his

On February 24, 2022, they met the russian invaders at the border.

"My son and I were in neighboring border units. When I saw that rockets were flying over us and the shelling of our territory began, I understood that the war had begun. After regrouping, I managed to jump home for a few minutes, told my wife to take care of my daughter and returned to the unit," Roman says.

The enemy advanced with great forces. The settlement where Roman and Vladyslav lived was occupied by russian troops. According to local stories, the first thing they did was to rob. They stole everything: cars, household appliances, and even removed textile wallpaper from one of the houses.

Fortunately, by this time the border guards had already managed to evacuate the relatives.

"We have many acquaintances and comrades left in the occupied territory," says Roman. - So we quickly learned that russians had placed electronic warfare equipment in the village to jam communications, and that the so-called headquarters was in our house. Their commander even talked about bringing his wife and children to our house. I couldn't bear all this - my son and I gave the coordinates of our home to the artillerymen, who worked very carefully..."

Even later, after de-occupation, fellow villagers gave Roman and Vladyslav photos of their relatives, who were found two streets from their house after the explosions.

When asked if they regret the lost home, the border guards immediately answer: "No!"

"After the Victory, we will build an even better house. A house in which vile invaders will never come," says Vladyslav.

Glory to Ukraine, glory to its defenders!