This page features the heroes of the VARTA documentary project — Ukrainian soldiers and women at war whose personal stories preserve the truth of the Russian invasion and the human cost of freedom.
Rebecca, a combat medic in the Ukrainian military, is a heroine of the novella “She”. She came from the United States, leaving behind her former life to support Ukraine. Before the war, she was a certified nurse and loved her profession.
“I love my soldiers so much. If I didn’t have my soldiers, I wouldn’t be here. They are behind everything I do. It’s the motivation for me staying, for me working. I would do anything for them—and they know that.”
Brittany, callsign Captain, is a heroine of the novella “She”. In Canada, she served as a tank commander, including as a platoon commander. In spring 2023, she trained Ukrainian tank crews to operate the Leopard 2 system. In February 2024, Brittany arrived in Ukraine and joined the Armed Forces to fight alongside her friends.
“And I started to feel like, what am I doing here in Canada? All I'm doing is training, and for what? I have skills that could be put to use at war right now… I made the decision in September of 2023 that I was coming, and I landed here in February of 2024.”
Valentyna, callsign Valkyria, a combat medic of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, is one of the heroines of the novella “She”, but she never lived to see the film. Valkyria was killed in action together with her beloved in the autumn of 2024.
“These years at war are the happiest years and days of my life. Because I know I am where I am needed. I am doing what must be done. I know I will live in a free country.”
Olena, callsign Yara, is a heroine of the novella “She”. A combat medic whose military path began during the ATO and has lasted for more than 10 years.
“Have I witnessed a miracle? Yes… when a comrade was killed by a tank shell just two meters away from me—and those two meters saved my life.”
Dariia, callsign Kara, is a heroine of the novella “She”. She worked in a hospital and at the end of 2022 joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“This is my place. I didn’t come to win or for some abstract higher purpose. I came solely as a medic—to be useful to our guys. I came to help my people, who are undoubtedly the best people in the world.”
Sofiia Yanchevska is a heroine of the novella “She”. She grew up in a family of volunteers who stood up to defend Ukraine’s independence in 2014.
“To be Ukrainian means not accepting injustice.”
Khrystyna, callsign Mivina, is one of the heroines of the novella “She”. She grew up and was shaped among people who had experienced struggle and were closely connected to the military.
“Ukraine is a country where two parallel realities coexist: incredible courage and indifference. It is a country that knows how to live alongside both the bravest and the weakest. It is an eternal defense of its own interests.”