As promised, I am attempting to write one episode of Freedom Flights every month until a just and stable peace has been reached in Ukraine.

Apologies for not posting by the end of last week as planned. At least, it’s still February… and March has more days. Plus, I’ve already selected a film for the next ‘Movie Night’ at the Zenigora Restaurant.

See you for the end credits.

Episode 17 – Life and Death

2024

Tuesday, January 2^nd -– Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

The silence and the swirling snow were unsettling Kalyna Chayka as she waited in the squadron’s office. Only the landing lights piercing the darkness offered some reassurance.

The three flights of MiG-29s were overdue and the last message from Ukraine was of another mass swarm of Russian missiles attempting to swamp defenses. Maksym Bondarenko from Air Command West had ordered the Witches to deploy back to protect Lviv Oblast.

After two hurrying figures rushed into the room, the door was slammed shut by the wind.

“They’ve never been this late,” said Katia Antonov.

“Could they have landed at Kalyniv?” added Maryna Sobol, shaking. “Is the base operational again?”

Kalyna had considered that scenario. “Maksym did say it was for an emergency, with a basic crew… for repairs and refueling. So, Vasy may have ordered all three flights to land there. But the intent was to deploy us to another base within a few weeks.”

 “Then they could arrive in a few hours,” said Katia, “When it’s light.”

‘Something’s wrong’ thought Kalyna.

*

Fingers of dawn light spilled onto the runway.

A single silhouette against an angry red sky. Then a second shape limped over the trees fringing the base.

Two MiG-29s safely down, followed by a third and a fourth.

“Just one flight?” asked Kalyna as no more appeared. She wished she had waited in the control tower, which had directed the planes in.

She threw on her military parka as she ran outside.

The four pilots were checking in with the ground crew, and she caught Vasy’s attention.

“Where are Gold and Blue flights?”

“Let’s debrief upstairs, please. All of us.”

Once all four pilots were in the office with Kalyna, plus Maryna and Katia, the news was mixed.

“We were deployed in three different areas around Lviv Oblast,” said Vasy. “So, we agreed to rendezvous at Kalyniv once we cleared every incoming attack we could.”

Lieutenant Olha Tkachuk continued. “We thought Gold and Blue would be there before us… as we were stationed to cover the busy eastern flank of Lviv city. But the others suffered near disaster.”

“Not again,” said Katia grasping Maryna’s hand.

Vasy shook her head. “Not quite the same. Blue flight was sent north to intercept missiles launched from Belarus. Unfortunately, they came within range of two Sukhoi Su-34s patrolling just over the Ukraine-Belarus border and beyond the reach of our ground defenses. Our jets were targeted and although most evaded the attack, they were unable to counterattack with their missiles due to the range. Tragically, Sergeant Lyuba Stasiuk gave her life attempting to draw an enemy missile away from one of our cadets.”

“Another loss we’ll all feel,” said Kalyna. “I want everything done to recover her… body.”

Vasy nodded. “As her flight commander, Kapitan Adriana Pavlenko stayed in Kalyniv to make arrangements, and the other Blue pilots remained with her.”

Kalyna hesitated over asking about Gold Flight, but they needed to know.

Olha obliged. “Sent to the northwest flank of Lviv, Gold Flight encountered a swarm of drones and a few cruise missiles which they proceeded to successfully down before the aerial attack reached the city’s ground defenses. Lieutenant Tamila Medved destroyed a cruise missile and three drones with her cannon. Unfortunately, debris from the last drone collided with her MiG, which she managed to safely steer away from housing before she ejected.”

Katia asked, “So, nobody was injured?”

“Tamila was taken to hospital with minor injuries,” said Olha. “Her Flight is at Kalyniv, from where her commander, Kapitan Anzhela Havrylyuk learned about her abrupt landing.”

Kalyna realized although the attrition was far greater along the front line, the squadron would struggle to recruit female pilots with the right experience if their casualties kept mounting. Was Chayka Air finding any suitable volunteers?

As if sensing the major’s concern, Maryna glanced at Katia and then spoke.

“It will be a while before we can reform Sable Flight, so, until then Katia and I are ready to join other flights. Engineering should have at least one rebuilt MiG-29—”

“And mine has been upgraded I believe,” added Katia. “Mariyka said something about special pylons for missiles and a tablet to control them. Some of the cadets are clever at devising innovative modifications.”

Vasy wiped her eyes. “Excuse me if I suggest we assess the situation properly when the other flights are back. They should have more to add.”

“True. I agree we all get some sleep,” said Kalyna. “Losing two pilots, even though one is just injured, is tough to absorb. Although we don’t know if either MiG can be salvaged, planes are not as valuable as our precious sisters.”

*

 Friday, January 5^th -– Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Dawn brought six more Witches home.

They were met by the rest of the squadron in the briefing room below the office. Also present was Colonel Maksym Bondarenko who had flown in with another officer from Air Command West, and two of the trainers.

Relief and sadness swept through the curious gathering.

Kalyna raised her hands for silence.

“First, welcome back sisters. We all mourn Lyuba Stasiuk but also carry precious memories of her companionship. She will never be forgotten.”

She bowed her head in respect. After some minutes of silence, she continued.

“Fortunately, Tamila Medved will return to us soon. Where to depends on decisions taken today. I’ll let Colonel Bondarenko explain.”

She sat down and let Maksym talk.

“I must start by echoing Major Chayka’s tribute to your sister Lyuba Stasiuk who like so many of our compatriots gave her life for Ukraine’s freedom. I won’t lie and claim we will all survive this war. 2024 may not see our victory, but we must persevere to ensure the Russians never win.”

A shout of defiance resounded around the room.

“Slava Ukrayini”

Having allowed the gathering to settle, Maksym continued.

“Almost a year ago, this squadron left Kalyniv Airfield in what we all called ‘a tactical withdrawal’. It gave you all the opportunity to train on NATO fighters, namely the American F-16 and the Swedish Gripen. In anticipation of your redeployment, two of your trainers are here to report on your amazing performance. First, Major Klaudia Smolak, please.”

Maksym sat down as the Polish trainer stood and spoke.

“My Polish Air Force colleague, Kapitan Zuzia Czajka, and I were honored to train such a unique squadron… as were our four fellow guest trainers. Over the last eight months, we have instructed you and other Ukrainian pilots, plus some ground crew, and feel the overdue F-16s will be in capable hands. Excellent ones with this squadron.”

She paused to clap her star squadron, then continued.

“Thanks to our respective commands… and Chayka Air, all four F-16 two-seater trainers will remain here for ongoing training. Zuzia and I will be available as needed since we regularly instruct cadets at this university. Also, Major Signe Berntsen and Kaptein Amalie Falk have retired from the Royal Norwegian Air Force so are offering their services whenever needed. Only our American colleagues have proved invaluable but had to return to their squadron in Arizona.”

She glanced at the Chayka majors and Maksym, who all nodded.

“I will just repeat that you will be a formidable asset when you are equipped with F-12s. Finally, I will hand over to my Swedish associate, Major Ottillia Elmersson, who trained some of you on Gripens. Also, she will add our overall assessment. I thank you all for this special opportunity.”

Ottilia embraced Klaudia before speaking.

“Kapten Pernilla Eklund and I trained less of you on Gripens than our colleagues instructed on F-16s. But like them, we were impressed at your aptitude and speed at adapting to a NATO jet, although I know most of you have flown Hornets, and your squadron has eight Gripens already operational. However, as do Saab, Pernilla and I believe that you now have the skills to operate an effective dispersed strategy from remote sites. With the extra equipment sent by your Swedish friends, your highly trained ground crew makes your two Gripen flights unique in being able to operate beyond a traditional airfield.”

“Like the original Night Witches – Nochnye Vedmy,” said Vasy. “Although can Gripens use grass runways?”

“Short road and snow-covered runways especially, so if the grass was firm then it’s possible. But roads give you the most flexibility. Gripens are best if your airfields are being degraded. Pernilla and I have been honored to train you and will be available as required.”

She paused, before adding, “Overall this squadron, in the opinion of all of us trainers, now has the adaptability and skill to operate a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-16s and the Gripens. Therefore, I need to hand over to Colonel Bondarenko.”

Maksym shook the hands of the two trainers, then addressed the 2022 Night Witches squadron.

“First, my thanks to Major Klaudia Smolak and Major Ottillia Elmersson for their invaluable words and their guidance, plus that of their colleagues. Air Command West is grateful to you and your fellow trainers for the offer of ongoing support. Plus, we welcome the two-seater F-16s and Gripen from your respective forces, jets that will speed up our ability to prepare our pilots for when the NATO jets arrive.”

Maksym paused and turned to take one sheet of paper from each of the two trainers.

“These lists show the recommended flights when equipped with NATO jets. You already have eight Gripens, but we are still avoiding provocative deployment. When F-16s are available, all Air Commands will deploy them. But unfortunately, AC West will equip this squadron last… my sincere apologies.  However, I have convinced my ACW colleagues the 2022 Night Witches should be allowed back to Kalyniv Airfield… if you wish to return.”

Unanimous approval was clear from the cheers. Finally, Maksym could continue to speak.

“Until you can deploy with all NATO jets, you will continue flying MiG-29s… out of Kalyniv. Your Chayka majors are suggesting three rotating flights to keep you all active or training cadets. I’ll hand you over, so they can assign you.”

*

Sunday, January 28^th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

All the tables had been rearranged for the first ‘Movie Night’ at Zvenigora Restaurant.                        After three weeks stationed at Kalyniv, Mariyka Shevchuk was pleased to be back for this inaugural film evening.

“I’m grateful you made it back safely,” said her aunt, Agnieszka. “Although Sergei seems to be a capable projectionist, I didn’t want Sabina and Tomas shouldering all the front-of-house demands.”

“Some of my engineering cadets might have helped… next time perhaps. But now I’m here with my Flight sisters Maryna and Katia.”

More sisters came in, as well as some locals who were attracted by a new diversion.  

The restaurant filled up, testing the service.

Among the last to arrive were Mariyka’s mechanic friend Dariya Boyko and Cadets Daria Jankowski, Maja Andrysiak, and Nadzieja Chlebek who were helping rebuild the MiG-29s.

“Great to see you all,” said Maryna. “Katia and I need to discuss nose art with you… when our planes are ready.”

Mariyka chuckled, knowing what was entailed.

“I’m intrigued already,” said Dariya. “We should finish rebuilding your MiG next week, Maryna. The repairs to yours, Katia, only took a few days. Drop round on Friday… or sooner if you want to reveal your secret.”

 “It can wait unless the NATO preparations are in earnest—”

“They are I fear,” said Vasy Chayka, who had arrived with her cousin Kalyna. “The invasion of Ukraine has exposed Putin’s willingness to gamble on NATO’s hesitation over pursuing actions that could be deemed as provocative.”

“It’s understandable that Poland, the Baltic nations, and others who have experienced Soviet rule,” added Kalyna, “should fear an expansionist Russia.”

“Let’s hope that Friday’s announcement of Steadfast Defender 2024, the massive NATO exercise is sufficient deterrence,” said Maryna. “With 32 countries taking part, it should be.”

Sergei. “Perhaps tonight’s film will be inspiring.”

“It was the few times I saw it,” said Vasy. “One scene always reminded me of my grandmother aged twelve who was herding goats as she spied on Nazis.”

As the lights were dimmed, Agnieszka introduced the movie.

“Released in 1946, ‘A Matter of Life and Death’ is a British fantasy-romance film set in England during World War II. When it was released, the film encouraged the idea that Britain was standing shoulder to shoulder with America. Today Ukraine needs both America and NATO.”

The screen flickered into life.

‘This is the story of two worlds, the one we know and another which exists only in the mind of a young airman whose life and imagination have been violently shaped by war.’

Slava Ukrayini

December’s WEP/IWSG Challenge could have been my favorite film, as that would have fitted since one of the two leads is a pilot. Instead, A Matter of Life and Death, released in the US as Stairway to Heaven: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Matter_of_Life_and_Death_(film) seemed a better fit for this episode. I recommend this movie if you like classic fantasy romances.

A clue to next month’s movie – ‘Phoenix’.

Any suggestions?