Last week, during an informal meet and greet lunch at the Scottsdale Elks Lodge, the Voices from Ukraine veterans met with Arizonans and even some U.S. veterans for an update on the war against Ukraine. 

The event offered an opportunity for Arizonans as well as some American veterans to ask questions of Ukrainian soldiers, Mykola Melnyk, Olah Bonchynskyi, and Denys Haida.

The event was part of the effort of the Arizona-based organization, Cactus and Tryzub (pronounced trih-ZOOB), described as a volunteer initiative spanning Arizona but based in Phoenix and comprised of passionate supporters of Ukraine.

“Some of us have Ukrainian roots and other ties to Ukraine—and other Arizonans deeply care about the outcome of the genocidal war that Russia is waging against Ukraine,” as stated on their website. 

The luncheon event aimed to allow Ukrainian soldiers a platform to talk about their lives on the front lines and as a way of spreading awareness about the war, and what Ukraine is enduring in a first-person light. 

The host and founder of Cactus and Tryzub—Irene Amrine immigrated to the U.S. with her family in 1997 at the age of 14. For generations, her family resisted Russian oppression and she continues that legacy today —dedicated to preserving Ukraine’s heritage and supporting its fight for freedom. 

Amrine began the event by introducing each of the soldiers including their rankings and some of the hardships they have suffered as part of serving on the front lines.  

Amrine translated for the Q&A session although one soldier spoke very fluent English. 

Mykola Melnyk is currently a senior lieutenant recognized with the Bohdan Khmelnytsky medal of honor. Olah Bonchynskyi is a senior soldier-operator recognized with numerous national honors. Denys Haida is a senior soldier-operator and has been awarded the order of courage both second and third degree and the people’s hero of Ukraine award. 

Each of the soldiers began serving over a decade ago specifically in 2014 when Ukraine was first attacked by Russia and the war began.

They have each received injuries as part of serving and Both Bonchynskyi and Haida are veterans after their time spent serving. 

Amrine began the Q&A by asking the soldiers questions in order to provide a picture of what their life on the frontlines consisted of.

They all explained that life on the battlefield can be like any other day. Somedays are as normal as they can be and then the next–they are working to survive. 

Haida said, “You live your normal life—you want to make it the best—and then you have the next day–and you have to go on the battlefield.”

Melnyk talked about the 20 kilometer kill zone. 

“You don’t understand where is the opposition, where is the position of enemy–and soldiers must stay on this position,” Melnyk said. 

Olichka Nevinska has also been associated with Cactus and Tryzub for many years and added to the soldier’s description by urging the audience to look on Google maps in Ukraine to see the kill zone—the grey area on the east side of Ukraine to see why it’s so significant. 

When Haida was asked what surprised him the most on the battlefield—he said that when he saw the true nature of their enemies— he knew he must stop them. 

“There was no other way, if they will advance, there will be no Ukraine,” Haida said. 

 Amrine’s questions concluded with Bonchynskyi. 

“What would you like for the American soldier to know?”

Bonchynskyi said “Start learning now about different types and kinds of drones.”

He said that it was very important to know as it would help with strategy in the field.

The audience was comprised of Arizonans that support Ukraine and it was clear through their expressions during the event that the Ukrainian soldiers had received their full support. 

One soldier was asked about which two of his medals were the most meaningful and another was asked how they keep motivated on the battlefield. 

“When I am on the battlefield—I am surrounded with the heroes—with the strong guys—and I cannot fail them,” Bonchynskyi said. 

Many in attendance wanted to know what specifically U.S. citizens can do to help. 

Melnyk said to reach out to Congress and ask to support Ukraine. 

When the event ended Amrine told Northeast Valley News that no matter what, Ukraine is determined to protect their sovereignty and will continue to fight. 

“Even if all the aid stops, and then if they lose the global support,” Amrine said “If they’re left with sticks and stones—they’re gonna continue to fight with sticks and stones.”