The last few days of May give me enough time for another episode of Freedom Flights. This is the second episode of the Night Witches’ road trip from Dęblin in Poland to Kharkiv on the Eastern Front. Episode 22 continues the road trip from the early attacks on some border settlements causing a change to their destination plans. But not to the monthly movie night.
Until a just peace for Ukraine is reached, I will continue to write more episodes, never forgetting the brave people fighting for freedom. Let’s pray Western aid reaches the frontlines in time.
Links to the previous episodes can be found on my Freedom Flights page on the left-hand sidebar.
Episode 22 – Responsible Sacrifice
2024
Tuesday, April 30th – Bila Tserkva Air Base, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine
———
Vasy Chayka, Mariyka Shevchuk and the three cadets stared around the sad state of Bila Tserkva Air Base as they drove past the haphazard storage and disposal of L-39 trainers and Su-24 tactical bombers.
“This is a junkyard for abandoned aircraft,” said Mariyka. “Has anyone tried to repair these or even salvaged spare parts?”
“I fear there aren’t the engineers,” replied Daria Jankowski. “Our teams at Dęblin could do something with some of these.”
“Unfortunately, that’s not why we’re here. We must find the base’s main office and hope it has a secure line to ACW so I can talk to Maksym Bondarenko.”
Ten minutes later, they found the office and a secure line to Maksym.
“What did you make of Commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi’s comments about the increase in the number of Russian troops in the area of Kharkiv? Should we still go there or will I be putting my people in unnecessary harm’s way?”
“He also said, ‘In the most threatening directions, our troops have been reinforced by artillery and tank units,’ which suggests precautions are in place. However, I would prefer we all meet further from the frontline given what I’m planning.”
“On Thursday, May 2nd I’ve arranged for most of the convoy to regroup at Poltava Air Base. Would that work for you, Maksym?”
Silence except for the tapping of computer keys. Then a long pause.
“That works. The graduating students can get to Poltava by 1300. I have arrangements to organize with other guests who should arrive between 1400 and 1430. I’ll ensure the base expects visitors. We’ll see you Thursday.”
Vasy turned to Mariyka.
“I don’t think everyone needs to rendezvous at Poltava. Do you agree?”
“Totally. Some have equipment and humanitarian merchandise deliveries throughout the Eastern Oblasts.”
“Okay let’s phone around the convoy.”
*
Three of the base’s salvage experts joined them around their campfire and shared a game stew they had made.
“Pigeon, rabbit and pheasant?”
“Never pigeon, always beef, cabbage, potatoes. Plus, wild mushrooms.”
Noises of content eating ended all conversation.
Then Maja Andrysiak asked, “How often are whole planes or just spare parts requested by anyone?”
One of the older engineers replied, “Not often as it requires an experienced team of engineers to refurbish one of these older planes. However, we do get mechanics who need a specific component to keep, usually a Su-24 flying, and there are dozens of them here—”
“Not many gutted yet,” reassured one of his colleagues. “And we keep good records of the planes still in reasonable condition… mainly the ones on hard standings which we can shift around. Had you something in mind, Major?”
Vasy laughed and nudged Mariyka, who slowly unfolded a sheet of paper.
“We’re a fighter squadron, presently using refurbished MiG-29s, which are my responsibility aided by this trio of pilot-engineers. We have this list of components we hoped to scavenge on this road trip, however unlikely.”
The older engineer took the list, scanned through it, and then whistled.
“Considering the differences between the MiG-29 and the Su-24, we might be able to find a few of these components, especially if the L-39 Albatross trainers have them. Call it Soviet production quirks.”
“We better start now while the light is still good,” said Mariyka. “And hopefully there’s more Game stew so we can leave early in the morning having secured great friendships.”
“All depending on some Kovbasa sausage and two more rabbits.”
**
Wednesday, May 1st – Pyriatyn, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine
Geralt and Ji-Yeon’s group hadn’t meant to explore the settlement of Pyriatyn for so long, but the inhabitants had so many interesting tales. The most tragic was what happened to over 1,500 Jews in a ghetto established by late March 1942. There were two major executions of Jews carried out by Nazi special mobile killing units, accompanied by the Nazis’ Ukrainian auxiliary police.
1,530 Jews were murdered on April 6, 1942, and on May 18, 1942, several Jewish families were killed along with 380 communists and Soviet militants, and 25 Gypsy families.
Stunned to learn of this atrocity, the group drove past beautiful buildings spared some of the destruction from the newest war to savage the area.
Ji-Yeon pointed to a silvery glimmer ahead.
“If we can find a safe place to park the truck, we should camp by the Udaj River for the night.”
———
“Great suggestion,” said Geralt. “We’re near enough to Poltava now, we’ll reach our rendezvous in good time.
Soon a warm fire was alight and a communal meal cooking.
After they had all been eating and chatting for a while, one of the group asked Geralt, “Are you continuing to Kharkiv whatever happens tomorrow?”
“We have a mission to fulfil,” said Ji-Yeon. “Geralt and I must discover how Ukraine’s SnipeX Alligator Mega Rifles are being smuggled out of the country.”
“And we also need to ensure the factory where they’re produced never falls into enemy hands nor the design blueprints.”
“Has anyone considered a rifle could be captured and replicated?” asked another of the group.
Geralt remembered this was a concern at their initial meeting. Hopefully, someone might supply an answer at tomorrow’s meeting.
“Records of captured rifles are being investigated as replication is a fear… which will be addressed.”
Fortunately, the Alligator discussion ended as others were concerned about making equipment deliveries along the frontline, primarily drones, infrared night sights and goggles.
As the evening wore on, Geralt announced he needed a proper night’s sleep as the driver even though he enjoyed star gazing.
Ji-Yeon yawned in sympathy and slipped away from the group with him.
“Does this mean you need my company?” he asked.
“I thought military protection was needed… for you. Why waste the heat from the fire.”
**
Thursday, May 2nd – Poltava Air Base, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine
As Vasy drove up to the closed gates to the Poltava Air Base and the armed sentries appeared, she hoped the details of her hasty rendezvous had reached these guys.
Fortunately, she had worn her major’s uniform and ensured everyone else was similarly attired. So, when the older guard approached her Toyota truck’s open window, he saluted and addressed her by rank.
“We’re from the 2022 Night Witches Squadron and should be expected. There will be others asking for me, Major Vasy Chayka.”
———
“We were notified. Please drive down to the main building where Commander Zelenko will meet you.”
As she drove around to the building, she wondered if was related to the late Ksenia and Kyrylo Zelenko?
The Commander was waiting for them and there was a family resemblance.
“Major, it’s an honour to meet my daughter Ksenia’s friend and sister officer.”
“You should be proud of her, she was an exemplary pilot and officer, whom the squadron proudly remembers.”
As she introduced the Commander to Mariyka, Daria, Maja, and Nadzieja, other vehicles arrived including a minibus, which Vasy presumed brought the female Kharkiv National Air Force University graduates.
The appearance of a uniformed airwoman unimpeded by her prosthetic leg took most aback, especially the tutor with the graduates.
“Polina,” she exclaimed. “Polina Moroz. I’m so glad to see you looking so fit after your terrible crash.”
She then introduced her to the future Kharkiv alumni, while Tamila explained to Vasy and the others how she and Carita met Polina.
“She’s a qualified helicopter pilot and worth recruiting.”
Commander Zelenko waited until Vasy felt everyone expected had arrived, then suggested they all move over to an empty hangar set up for her talk to the graduates. The tutor briefly told her there would be a formal graduation in a few weeks, but she was welcome to make her own gesture.
Zelenko handed her a microphone and showed her the lectern for notes, which she never used.
“First, I must thank Commander Zelenko for welcoming us to Poltava Air Base. It’s especially apt to be here as the Commander’s late daughter Ksenia was one of three founding members of the 2022 Night Witches Squadron and a flight leader who gave her life defending Kharkiv. Then I must congratulate you all on your deserved graduation through dedicated persistence.
“Our all-female squadron has a distinguished origin in the 46th “Taman” Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment, feared by the Nazi invaders as the Night Witches. Now, we aim to bring terror to the Russian invaders with our 12 MiG-29s, but soon with various NATO jets already stationed in Poland for the day we can use them.
“We await our first flight of F-16s, but we have 12 CF-18A Hornets and 8 Gripen Cs, so we are ready to welcome more pilots like yourselves, thus continuing to be a formidable squadron—”
Before Vasy could say more, she was drowned out by the sound of two jets landing and two helicopters. She glanced at her watch – 1400. The first of Maksym’s guests had arrived.
“We should go outside to welcome our new arrivals.”
Vasy led everyone outside, where two MiG-29s were being secured in reinforced revetments while the Puszczyk and the Eurocopter Tiger were being moved into an empty hangar.
The two MiG pilots came over and Vasy proudly introduced her joint squadron leader, Major Kalyna Chayka, and Kapitan Anzhela Havrylyuk.
“A few of you might know Anzhela Havrylyuk as a Kharkiv National Air Force University alumna—”
“Whom my daughter Ksenia Zelenko praised very highly as her Number 2.”
“And it’s an honour to now lead her Gold Flight, sir.”
Maksym Bondarenko emerged from the second hangar with Kapitan Nadia Lysenko and Kapitan Aleks Górski.
“Let’s go in here Vasy,” said Maksym. “Then we can discuss the new Night Witches.”
Most of the students had never seen a Tiger, although some knew Puszczyks, but the surprise was the proposal of forming a Night Witches Brigade alongside the squadron.
“Doesn’t that require pilots and helicopters,” said Vasy. “We only had two of each when I left Dęblin.”
“I’m willing to volunteer as a trained heli-pilot,” said Polina Moroz.
Two graduates swiftly raised their hands and the tutor identified them as Raisa Vezzoso and Marusya Dudziarz.
She added, “It might be helpful to know what this Brigade will be doing and flying. Hopefully not the Mil Mi-17s, an old Russian military helicopter I believe Polina crashed and lost her leg in.”
“The intention,” said Nadia, “is to source more modern craft like this Tiger. We are hoping to get another from France or Spain.”
“I should be able to persuade the Republic of Korea to supply a KAI Light Armed Helicopter,” said Ji-Yeon. “Or some of the MD 500 Defender it’s replacing… even they would be better craft than the Mil Mi-17.”
Before any more discussions could take place, more rotor engines drowned conversation.
“That should be the Sikorsky Brigade representatives,” said Maksym and went to greet them followed by the two squadron leaders and the Poltava commander.
The pilot and co-pilot from the single Mi-8 helicopter approached them and saluted.
“Call me Perun,” said the pilot. “My colleague is Stribog… we don’t use real names, just Slavic god call signs. We hope you can help us, all we have are skillful pilots flying old helicopters. Every day we depend on our wits to stay alive. We have to face losing friends and that makes us fight harder.”
“We know you need some new craft like all of us,” said Maksym. “But we know we can supply equipment to update your craft… like effective electronic countermeasures and infra-red night gear. Maybe some of those can save lives.”
———
The Sikorsky pilots inspected the items approvingly. “Some of these can be installed now,” said Stribog. “The rest we’ll take for our other craft. If we supply a list of our needs, can you supply them?”
He led them inside and they stared at the Tiger.
Kalyna could see their envious gaze… and Nadia’s anxious face.
“This Eurocopter Tiger was provided for a specific mission, but it demonstrates what the 2022 Night Witches Squadron can acquire. The items in that corner should be of use and our mechanics would be willing to install them under your supervision.”
“We can try… some may take longer.”
Perun was walking around the Tiger, fascinated.
“Can I persuade someone to demonstrate the copter’s abilities?”
Aleks tossed him her helmet. “My friend Nadia’s the pilot. You can trust her.”
Perun nervously asked, “Has she flown in combat yet?”
The Witches laughed and Maksym replied, “Low-flying sorties in Afghanistan, some African missions, and here. Time for a brief display everyone.”
Outside, Aleks ensured Perun was comfortable in her co-pilot position, and then Nadia ran through the take-off procedure.
The display was shorter than at Dęblin but as impressive for those on the ground and Perun.
“Want to join Sikorsky?” he asked. “Though I expect you know the risks and have found your home.”
“Correct. But I expect you will find keen male recruits from Kharkiv National Air Force University… especially when the equipment we supply makes your Brigade the viable choice.”
“And I suspect those female graduates will become feared Witches. As long as they realise flying helicopters in this war makes you a prime target.”
“Sometimes I call it ‘responsible suicide’ with the enemy sharing the risk. I’ve learnt to be steps ahead so they’re the ones committing suicide when they fire at me.”
“Teach your recruits that valuable lesson, please. Then Orcs, beware what is coming. Slava Ukrayini.”
While Mariyka and her engineering team helped the Sikorsky pilots upgrade their Mi-8 helicopter, the other Witches ensured all the graduates were recruited, before wishing them a safe journey back to University. Most were keen to come straight to Dęblin, but their tutor convinced them to say farewell to their Kharkiv friends first and then travel to Poland by the faster train route in a few days.
As evening fell on Poltava, the Mi-8 helicopter was finished and the Sikorsky pilots felt safer flying to their secret base with the newly installed night equipment. Maksym reassured them that other equipment would be secured… even if the Witches had to use their Canadian benefactors.
Vasy persuaded Commander Zelenko to allow the remnants of the convoy to stay overnight. The Witches also wanted to share memories of Ksenia.
Some like Geralt and Ji-Yeon were keen to move on immediately. However, first, they needed to know what details of captured sniper rifles had emerged. Maksym’s investigation had revealed none, so for now replication was not a fear.
They still had to reach Ukraine’s second-largest city before the Russians captured it and the sniper rifle factory.
*
After a last evening together, the convoy dispersed early in the morning.
Nadia and Aleks were flying in the Tiger back to Poland via Kalyniv. Although Maksym had flown the Puszczyk, he persuaded Polina to fly him back to ACW in Lviv, and Tamila and Carita took advantage of two of the spare seats. Kalyna and Anzhela were flying the MiG-29s back to Dęblin, providing some air cover for the copters.
So, Mariyka, Daria, Maja, and Nadzieja were left to make the return road journey with Vasy.
**
Friday, May 17th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
The Zvenigora was crowded with the arrival of all twelve Kharkiv National Air Force University recruits.
The monthly movie night also ensured a full house, appropriately some could say for a road movie.
As Sabina and Tomas served the dinner orders, Agnieszka announced the entertainment.
“Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American epic war film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. Set in 1944 in France during World War II, it follows a group of soldiers, led by Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks), on their mission to locate Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon) and bring him home safely after his three brothers are killed in action. Despite the war theme, I hope you are as moved as I always am.”
*
When the movie ended, Marusya Dudziarz said to Nadia and Aleks, “I knew it would grip me again. Is this a monthly event… and always here?”
“Every month,” replied Aleks. “And I fly the film for a second showing at Kalyniv Airfield, though that may change to a cellar club in Lviv… if all goes to plan.”
“Who chooses the film?” asked her friend, Raisa Vezzoso. “Can we make suggestions?”
“Agnieszka and her family who run Zvenigora,” replied Nadia. “But the movies always seem to reflect what the Night Witches are doing. So, our lives are like suggestions.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saving_Private_Ryan
FCA 2,708 words
Slava Ukrayini
Writing Wings 