As we approach the end of March, I have not forgotten my commitment to write an episode of Freedom Flights each month until a just peace for Ukraine is reached. This month I continue to struggle, but nothing compared to the brave people fighting for freedom.

Unlike previous episodes, I am posting this one in three parts as the events required more scenes… and longer to write. The posts should appear on consecutive days.

Links to the previous episodes can be found on my new Freedom Flights page on the left-hand sidebar.

Episode 18 – Steadfast Phoenix

Part 1

2024

Monday, February 26^th -– Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

The Chayka cousins walked slowly around the two jets, studying the familiar nose art.

Kapitan Maryna Sobol, Lieutenant Katia Antonov and their ground crew waited expectantly, praying their graphic skills matched the original artists’.

“You think the whole squadron should copy this design?” asked Kalyna,

Vasy winked. “Or just a select few can use Zharptica?”

“Well, it was the Chayka sisters,” said Vasy’s daughter Klara. “Painted this on their Polikarpov biplane, they flew to freedom… in 1944.”

“We’ll need a lot more paint to do another 18 planes,” said Polish Cadet Daria Jankowski. “For a full squadron.”

Fellow cadet Nadzieja Chlebek handed Kalyna a sheet of paper.

“Some of us produced this simplified design. Would that be a solution?”

“Probably. Let’s talk in the office where it’s warmer… and a few more of the squadron could discuss the idea of nose art.”

*

As the evening closed in, the relaxed setting proved fruitful. Although a simpler design was favoured, the cadets’ design inspired others. Or rather three others.

“Makes sense then,” said Kalyna. “We adopt the original Zharptica nose art from the Chayka sisters as our squadron insignia.”

“While each flight uses one of the four simplified designs,” added Vasy, “That we chose this evening. Hopefully, Gold and Blue flights agree when they return from their three weeks at Kalyniv.”

Maryna and Katia whispered together before the former said, “Sable needs two recruits as does your Green Flight, Vasy. I know Mariyka and her engineering cadets keep volunteering, but are there recruits expected from anywhere soon?”

“We’ve had no news of suitable graduates from Kharkiv National Air Force University,” replied Kalyna. “But we received a message via Chayka Air requesting two Night Witches to attend Exercise Dragon 24 as guest observers. It’s a Polish-led exercise, part of NATO’s Steadfast Defender 24.”

“When, where, and why, Major?”

“On Monday, March 4^th near Korzeniewo. Supposedly, to meet ‘qualified recruits crucial to the war effort’, according to the message. Attend as Vasy’s second and find out for us, Kapitan Sobol.”

**

Wednesday, February 28^th – Kalyniv Airfield near the Polish border, Ukraine

Kapitan Anzhela Havrylyuk led the four MiG-29s of Gold Flight down onto the welcome runway of Kalyniv, after a strange mission chasing ghosts up along the Polish border.

Once she had landed and taxied towards her jet’s revetment, the ground crew took over, backing the MiG-29 into the blast-proof bay.

She climbed out, exhausted but ready for a confused debriefing. Her partner Larisa Kovalyov embraced her, just before her flight sisters coaxed her towards the office block.

“Meet you later in the canteen, lastachka.”

“When today’s mystery is resolved, myshka.”

Inside the briefing room, the Air Command West officer let the curious pilots settle before speaking.

“Good evening, ladies. I know you’ve probably been wondering all day about this afternoon’s ghost hunt. For now, I’ll just ask your flight leader, Kapitan Havrylyuk whether any unusual activities were spotted along the border.”

“Along the Ukraine-Polish frontier, the only detectable crossings were at official checkpoints, with the expected holdups of trucks both ways by the Polish farming protestors.” Anzhela paused for any corrections. Then she continued.  “When we were cleared to enter Polish airspace, we flew almost along the Belarus border, as instructed and away from any hostile ground defences.”

“Did you detect anything unusual?”

“Not at first, but on our return flight, Sergeant Albina Zyma spotted a suspicious convoy of three camouflaged vehicles using a forest track to cross into enemy territory without alerting any noticeable border security.”

“Without aerial footage this time, it may be hard to corroborate. Sergeant Zyma did you get the MGRS coordinates for the crossing? We will need to pass a report on. But please keep this mission confidential. You’re all dismissed… once I have the coordinates. Thank you, ladies.”

Anzhela pondered why the Military Grid Reference System coordinates were needed. Who was the convoy and why was it heading into Belarus? Did she dare discuss this with anyone? Albina or Larisa? Best to keep quiet. Amid a war and NATO’s largest exercise in decades, speculation could be misleading, maybe even dangerous.

She followed the three other pilots into the canteen, where the ground crew had already ordered drinks and food for everyone, including Blue Flight.

“How top secret was your debriefing by ACW?” asked Blue leader, Adriana Pavlenko.

“So hush-hush, we’re still in the dark,” replied Anzhela. “Looking for ghosts.”

Albina took her to one side and quietly said, “If I had to guess at what that convoy was, I’d suggest smugglers. But heading into Belarus, I’m unsure carrying what?”

“We need to leave it at that… until we learn more. Now it’s time to relax.”

They joined Larisa and their ground crew, leaving Blue Flight to the mystery.

*

When the two Gold pilots had left, Adriana tuned to her flight-sister Lieutenant Olha Tkachuk.

“I’d hoped we had no secrets in this squadron. Am I wrong?”

“No. I suspect we’ll all discover where the ghosts are. I just wish the F-16s would arrive and our front-line troops could get what they’re running short of.”

“Like ammunition,” added Cadet Taisia Kovalchuk, pointing to the television. The news channel was showing a clip from America’s CNBC with Ukrainian subtitles.

Her fellow cadet, Halyna Boyka, turned the sound up and the canteen went quiet.

Ukraine’s former president Petro Poroshenko was being interviewed, saying,

“…Every single hour of delay in the supply of artillery shells means human lives, and the lives of our civilians are lost. This is too high a price.”

**

Thursday, March 1^st -– Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Vasy Chayka and Maryna Sobol waited while Colonel Maksym Bondarenko finished reading the message with their orders. Then he turned towards them.

“My instructions are to accompany you both, arriving by 0400 on Monday, March 4^th at specific MGRS coordinates near Korzeniewo. We are to observe the start of Exercise Dragon 24, part of NATO’s Steadfast Defender 24. We will be contacted by two ‘qualified recruits crucial to the war effort’ in Ukraine.”

“This sounds mysterious,” said Vasy. “Almost cloak and dagger. Odd way to recruit people.”

“Plus, I gather there are requests we help an organization already involved somehow.”

“NATO?” asked Maryna. “Or another?”

Maksym scanned the message again. “Not NATO definitely, although there are implied military connections… not surprising given the rendezvous.”

Vasy pulled up a military map of Poland and then zoomed in on the MGRS coordinates.

“The east bank of the Vistula River. So how are we meant to get there?”

Maksym went to the window of the office. When the two Witches joined him, he pointed at one of the University’s 40 helicopters.

“We’re borrowing one of their PZL SW-4 Puszczyks… and one of you is flying. I presume you are more than proficient in helicopters. I’m out of practice.”

**

Monday, March 4^th – East bank of Vistula River near Korzeniewo, Poland

Maryna Sobol had spent the previous day adapting to the abilities of the SW-4 Puszczyk, even to its night flying traits. The flight to the Vistula was straightforward, except for all the security procedures to land, even as military guests.

Once on the ground, they were met by a female Polish Air Force officer, speaking Ukrainian.

“It’s an honour to welcome some of our brave allies. I am Kapitan Aleks Górski and I will be your escort for the day.”

Once they had introduced themselves, she led them to one of the viewing stands for dignitaries and media. Although they knew about the exercise in advance, she explained its purpose.

“Today is the first day of Exercise Dragon 24, part of NATO rehearsing techniques to reach the Suwalki Gap, on the Polish-Lithuanian border between Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.”

Aleks paused as more guests arrived. Then she continued, “3,500 personnel and 1,000 equipment units will cross over the Vistula, our largest river, from the village of Opalenie to Korzeniowo for three days. Troops from France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, the UK and the US are involved.”

Maryna wondered whether the two recruits were from any of the participating countries, foreign fighters wanting to help Ukraine… like Vasy and her. Chayka Air was actively seeking recruits and might have looked abroad.

In the dawn light, they could see dark shadows moving across the swirling river. Army-green shapes pushed through the muddy water, wake rolling behind. But before they could emerge from the Vistula, Leopard 2 A4 tanks defending the eastern bank opened fire.

The fight lasted three hours, but eventually, the attacking troops forced their way ashore. Once American and Polish armour was across, support barges crossed loaded with containers of supplies. Overhead fighter jets ensured air cover was maintained throughout the exercise.

“What planes does your squadron fly?” asked Aleks.

“MiG-29s in Ukraine,” replied Vasy. “But at Dęblin we’re training on NATO fighters like the F-16 and the Gripen C.”

“I trained at Dęblin… and now fly an F-16. But I’d love to fly a Gripen one day.”

“Visit us,” said Maryna. “And I’m sure we can arrange that.”

“Maybe sooner than you think,” said Aleks cryptically. “Time for an early lunch, I believe.”

*

Over lunch, they discussed the state of the war, primarily the air campaign and the Witches’ role.

Maksym felt he had to clarify.

“At Air Command West, my colleagues and I feel the 2022 Night Witches have a unique role, especially once they can fly their NATO jets in combat.. and at night as intended.”

“The squadron already has F-16s?” asked Aleks.

“Only four two-seater trainers,” replied Vasy. “But we have eight Gripen Cs and twelve CF-18A Hornets which we used before the Russians realized.”

Aleks looked surprised until Maksym clarified.

“Until F-16s have arrived, ACW prefers them to fly MiG-29s… modified at the School of Eagles by a resourceful team of Poles and Ukrainians.”

Maryna realized Aleks was a potential recruit if the opportunity to invite her occurred. Before that arose, the Polish officer stood up.

“I must report to my commander. But I will meet you back at the stand at 1300.”

As they walked back, it was Vasy who mentioned recruiting Aleks.

“She almost volunteered with her interest.”

Maksym smoothed back his hair and then smiled.

“Depends on her squadron releasing her… if she—”

The two Witches stopped and both asked, “What”

“I may be wrong, so wait and see what happens.”

At 1300, Aleks returned with another female officer – wearing a French military lieutenant’s uniform. She saluted and introduced herself in perfect Ukrainian.

“I’m Lieutenant Nadia Lysenko of the 4e Régiment d’Hélicoptères des Forces Spéciales, primarily attached to the13éme Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins. As well as helicopters, I am trained to fly fourth-generation fighters, primarily Dassault Rafales. I am the person who volunteered for your 2022 Night Witches.”

“You are very welcome with those credentials. I am Major Vasy Chayka. This is Kapitan Maryna Sobol, and from Air Command West, Lviv, this is Colonel Maksym Bondarenko.”

“Very pleased you are volunteering to fight for Ukraine,” said Maksym. “We were expecting two recruits—”

“And there are two of us,” said Aleks, grinning. “But I suspect you were about to ask me.”

“Perfect,” said Maryna. “And if Nadia knows how to fly a PZL SW-4 Puszczyk, then I can relax on the flight home.”

If this French recruit flew helicopters, thought Maryna, she’d handle the compact Polish multipurpose craft with ease. But there was something curious about her. Would she be an asset to the squadron or a hindrance?

 **

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