65-Year-Old Volunteer Fighting In Ukraine Says This Is No Time For Rest

Volunteer soldier Oleksandr Taran was 58 when he tried to enlist to defend his country after Russia seized Crimea in 2014 -- but he was told by the Ukrainian military then that they had no need for his help. He is now 65 and the commander of a small volunteer unit. He says now is no time for a rest.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-volun...
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#russia #ukraine

[@carolinebjerkelund767]

Of course he would be of value. His experience and knowledge is priceless. Very brave man.

[@danrook5757]

Knowing how to slice the enemy open without screams is priceless

[@TS-jj1wi]

It's a lie, it's hollywood it's fake. OMG wake the F*** up it's a bs proxy war

[@carolinebjerkelund767]

@@TS-jj1wi Relax dude.

[@mikeshelton8920]

My deepest respect to this soldier. His age does not matter, his attitude makes him what he is, a warrior!

[@ashroskell]

That cat lives in a war zone and obviously trusts him because he feels he will be safe with him when everything goes boom! Tells me all I need to know. A damned good soldier. Slava Ukraine. ✌️🇺🇦

[@andrzejabramczyk3600]

Please come to Poland in the cities of Krakow, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Gdansk and you will see how many young strong Urain bulls aged 20-40 are running around the city. There are groups of drunk Ukrainians everywhere, hundreds if not thousands.

[@standsalone2138]

I hope he does get to rebuild his house. Respect to this warrior.

[@evyedelman4297]

Bless him, protect him 🙏🏼❤️

[@Kauppi2]

many young Ukrainians are forced by Kiev regime to be cannonfodder in Artemovsk

[@volkerr.]

Glad to hear Estonia has saved your legs 😊 my wife is from Estonia and my children are Estonian citizens as well 🇩🇪🇪🇪😎🇺🇦🌻👍

[@ERTChimpanzee]

Ma olen Talinnast, Eestist ning toetan ukrainlasi suure innu ja armastusega.

[@kear8225]

My hat's off to this man...a true brave and an example for anyone on earth..👍👍👍🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@U.H8]

✨🤲🏻✨🙏🏻✨You are real HERO✨🤩✨ ✨✨✨✨ ✨✨✨ ✨

[@Zerg435]

He wanted to join the Russians first.

[@1midnightfish]

@@Zerg435 Oh, you useless troll

[@davidflitcroft7101]

@@Zerg435 You don't have a clue as to why that occurred. The point is this; he is fighting on the right side when most are in retirement or dead, so lighten up!

[@thinkerly1]

​@@Zerg435 And then he understood that the russians were evil. He speaks ukrainian

[@richardf9137]

A Man of Honor!!

[@imaginemetoo]

What a Great man Oleksandr✌️ Heart of a lion 🦁 SLAVA UKRAINI HEROES DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM 🇺🇦✌️ Love of family is life 💙💛

[@Pam-hw3gz]

Thank you, for giving this brave soul his moment to shine.

[@hansericsson7058]

From one old man to another you got my deepest respect. Slava Ukraini!

[@mariocastro7379]

Awesome Dude! Stay strong Ukraine! Viking prayer from this old vet!

[@mossadagent9582]

That's a real man. He has the heart of a lion. He is a hero. I salute him 💪

[@johanvanbeek7138]

Damn that bloke is the kind of man you can depend on ,a man of honor a rare thing today.

[@dutchreagan3676]

HOW in the world can the Orcs ever defeat these people? With this spirit? Bunch of drunk criminals against people fighting for their homes & family. Respect Ukraine! Respect Grandpa! Chapeau!

[@stryngh]

Really hope he lives a long and healthy life after defending his country. Slava i peremoha Ukrayini!!! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@TheUncommonShaman]

Even better. ❤️👑

[@robertpeet3781]

He wont if hes fighting for Ukraine, they dont have much to fight back with , Russia has already won ....

[@imaginemetoo]

@@robertpeet3781 💤🚽

[@robertpeet3781]

@@imaginemetoo Z for Russia the toilet so you can put your head in it works for me at least you wont get sand in your ears ...........you people are so dumb it makes me laugh.......

[@imaginemetoo]

@@robertpeet3781 rusty ruzzky pet ...💤🕳️🌻

[@Valtellino]

What an hero. Slava Ukraine 🫶🏽🇺🇸🇺🇦🇪🇺

[@bulldogstrut1]

I'll be 70 years old soon, and I admire this man for what he is doing for his country. God Bless him.

[@mrHBarry]

Huge Respect to Ukraine! What a Nation! What a Brave People! They say NO to Russian imperialism. The say NO to Russian Invaders. They say NO to Russian war criminals. They say NO to Russian baby killers. They say NO to Russian Terrorist. They fight for their Independence. They fight for FREEDOM. they fight for their friends and family. They fight for everyone who enjoys Freedom. Huge Respect. Ukraine will win. Slava Ukraine.

[@Kauppi2]

*kraine will be erased from the map for good👍💪🇷🇺 All of this could have been prevented if Ukraine did not suppport Neo-N*zis

[@williamevans3148]

SLAVA UKRAINI, My friend.

[@rffromusa8319]

Well said friend. 🇺🇦 Heróyam Sláva 💪

[@KillerRabbit1975]

Exactly this.

[@republica7337]

Wonderful comment. God bless them.

[@jillrichards8260]

No one is too old to fight for their home

[@susansmith9263]

What a story and there are many; glory to 65 year old Oleksandr Taran 💙💛 and the many Warriors in Ukraine. Slàva Ukraini! Heròyam Slàva! 🇺🇲 🇺🇦

[@geertstroy]

Lose weight and shave the beard more short and he is 52 years young!... good skin , sparkle in the eyes....

[@susansmith9263]

@@geertstroy 💙💛

[@redmessenger5191]

Students study hard and you easily steal their ideas from their brains. Sounds like a good deal. Fighting for freedom. New slavery. It is my responsibility. I thought everyone should know. We are imprisoned in a place whose slogan was freedom. Don't travel to the USA. Never even for a short time. If you have any special knowledge or skills or an invention, they will steal it from your mind. The US government initially used this method to identify people who intended to harm the United States. But today, they use it for many purposes, including stealing information from people, stealing data from people's minds. And many celebrities like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles are helping to lure the US government. They can see whatever you see. You'll never have privacy even with your wife or girlfriend. They could see whatever you think. When Taylor Swift said I use my best colors for your portrait, she meant it. when she said, Touch me, and you'll never be alone. Or I can read you like a magazine. Your silence would help them to do it again and again. They said, don't say anything because of The USA. I want to take her to court. They wanted to pay me $1,000,000, but that was not amount what I asked from them. Those are not only songhe (Taylor Swift) likes A writer of crime stories whose stories are authentic and have committed all the murders. Taylor Adolf Hitler, the Humans, are not your laboratory mice. Sometimes what we hear are like warning lights to prevent accidents. Events that the causes of those events are not afraid of repeating them, but they are happy. And they sat waiting for the right time. Let's not ignore what we hear. Kidnapping in a new style. ......................................... #Taylor_swift_is_killer Doggy styles( #Harry_Styles_is_killer ) #Selena_gomez_is_killer #Biden_is_Killer #Trump_is_killer

[@aA-ye1cf]

You are truly amazing sir. Slava Ukraine

[@johnwakamatsu3391]

He fought for the Russian army when he was young and now the same army invaded his country and destroyed his house. He fights to defend his home land and glory to Ukraine. I understand why he wants to reclaim land occupied by Russia and age does not matter.

[@getoffmyyarn8219]

GOOD,comment I am a 22 year army vet and planning to go join territorial defence force legion ,58 years old .us army.

[@Rgunt8905]

@@getoffmyyarn8219 Another that has no clue what's even going on smh.

[@pandoraalberts5267]

True patriot, brave Ukrainian soldier has no age, an eternal warrior. I hope you see peace again and rebuild your house. May you stay safe. ❤️🙏🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@davefudurich4135]

Putin can not beat this kind of spirit Slava Heroyam, Slava Ukraine !

[@Kauppi2]

Glory to neo-N*zi Banderites?😡🤬 Never🇷🇺💪Z

[@MrKim-kv2vv]

Respect to this man defending his homeland 😢

[@kimiohuynh8102]

Congratulations to you , Oleksandr Taran . Your bravery and devotion to the motherland , Ukraine ,are admirable . God bless you 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦💙💛💙💛

[@JohnnyRebVlog]

A true hero. Greetings from Poland. We wish you victory 💪 Now the world can see how the Ruskij Mir really looks like. Death and destruction. This is the only thing they can 'offer' and it is nothing new. They always have been like that for last 800 years... We, Poles, have had 19 wars against Moscow over last 800 years, and - we happened to fight shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians as brothers in arms. There have been some darker chapters in our 'relationship', but I really hope this is now a thing of the past and we'll be able to build our future together on friendship and mutual interest. Hang on there, Brothers. We do what we can to help you.

[@alicehicks9500]

Huge respect 🙏 👏 Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 ♥ ❤

[@geopolitix7770]

What an incredible legacy of courage and perserverance this man is leaving to his children and grandchildren. So inspiring. Glory to the heroes!

[@jaydominguez7487]

I have the deepest respect for this man and would feel exactly the same and do the same as he would. Highest honor to this soldier!!!! He has done his time and keeps on going. Wow!!!

[@jaymac7203]

You can judge a man by how he treats pets!

[@jonye7511]

If you're capable nothing stops you from defending what is yours. Respect to this brave man.

[@Staydown777]

This man is a legend.

[@markhugo6642]

I am not worthy to polish this fellows boots with my tongue. He's a REAL MAN and a true HERO. Slava Ukraine.

[@ronevans6958]

you know that you can raise him up without debasing yourself, right?

[@davidflitcroft7101]

@@ronevans6958 Ya; I'll buy him some new boots. I'm five years older than ne is and would fight beside him any day.

[@markhugo6642]

@@ronevans6958 Evidently you don't understand hyperbole.

[@imsunasong3912]

My heart goes out to this man. My tears too for his sorrow. I pray for him and all of Ukraine .😔🙏❤🇺🇦 you will have Victory!!⭐⭐⭐

[@davidsalo8397]

I also like his comfort kitty!

[@user-rx8ow6pf3f]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼⭐️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@hyunybunny]

@@davidsalo8397 It's a TactiCat 🐱

[@lindah4579]

Bless this older man, his cat and Ukraine! Благослови цього літнього чоловіка, його кота і Україну!

[@djeihoenrawan8769]

Hi is going stret too hel with his vrend dadko bidon

[@jenniferhoyte2644]

Victory to Ukraine 🇺🇦💪💪👍

[@Kauppi2]

more like Ukrainians crying since they have no infrastructure and lost already 20% of their fake borders🇷🇺💪Z

[@donnacollins1356]

This man is a gem and I'm praying extra hard for him to live in a newly built home Good luck to you sir GLORY to Ukraine 🌻

[@minimaxmiaandme.4971]

Smart that they learn from his experience. He is a dedicated man, to be respected by all.

[@mikeymike758]

Utmost respect to this Man! You can't ignore the years of knowledge, experience and the will to fight of this Man. I wish Him, his family, his country and the Cat peace!

[@jeet125]

Stay strong 💪 and 🙏s to you and this world 🌎, from 🇺🇸

[@corazonagoncillo2699]

This guy should already be enjoying his retirement but he is still making a difference for himself and country. How admirable. May his goal and Ukraine's of victory over Russian invasion be achieved soon.

[@charlieboffin2432]

I am 49 with no military experience but want to help Ukraine NOW! Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦❤️🇬🇧

[@nian60]

Some non-combat help that I have seen people doing is driving donated trucks and cars from the rest of Europe to Ukraine, and collecting military gear in Western countries and sending that to Ukraine. But you are helping just by watching videos and commenting.

[@samanthav8728]

This should actually terrify and orcs even thinking about joining! You do NOT wanna piss off an elder by trying to come and occupy his land or the land of his grandbabies!

[@user-kb7tx9qq8k]

Bless these men!!! They are what's right with society today. Honor ,dignity and pride for their people and country! These men have a lot to teach the world on these subjects.

[@kennethlandert8350]

God bless, and keep this old man!!! What heart!!!

[@surfingonmars8979]

NOW THAT IS A HERO!

[@tigertiger1699]

Slav Ukraine 🌹🇺🇦

[@MrJdsenior]

HOLY CRAP. I'm 64, and I couldn't even begin to do this. Props and respect, sir, if you read this. Slava Ukraini, stay safe.

[@d.l.hemmingway3758]

John Sikes, I understand. I am 60 now and a former Kansas Army National Guardsman. I am too old to enlist, but if we face something similar to Ukraine here on our side of the Atlantic I hope that I can standtoo like this man did.

[@andrzejabramczyk3600]

Please come to Poland in the cities of Krakow, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Gdansk and you will see how many young strong Urain bulls aged 20-40 are running around the city. There are groups of drunk Ukrainians everywhere, hundreds if not thousands.

[@axcx5951]

Sto lat Oleksandrze i szybkiej odbudowy domu!

[@arnidamolitor2546]

May The GOD LORD Bless and keep You Sir Huge Respect🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@seanlander9321]

A truly wonderful man.

[@stacey_1111rh]

Much respect to Oleksandr. Hell yeah old timer. Thanks to all soldiers for defending 💪🏼🇺🇦

[@martkbanjoboy8853]

A touching interview. I am reminded of the frankness, hope, and honesty displayed during interviews with Sheikh Mansur in 2014 and now. All the best.

[@Gmordor]

A lot of respect “ old man” ! You can teach the world the meaning of courage and defending your own country, family and friends.

[@gabrielacentonzio-dyer9897]

THANK YOU BRAVE HEROE!!!!!! GLORIA VICTORIOSA PARA UCRANIA.... GLORY TO UKRAINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Kauppi2]

Glory to neo-N*zis😡🤬 Never🇷🇺💪Z

[@chriscordoba3979]

LOL for what are they glorious about? You dont even know what is up. Learn some history before you state such things. UD. no sabe los que dice. Estudie la historia de esta gente antes de que comente una tonteria!

[@1midnightfish]

What a lovely granddad he must be, I wish him many more years with his family in a free a peaceful Ukraine. Слава героям!!

[@Factsoverfeels8]

Hopefully this old guy makes it through the war. He seems like a very good guy who just wants the best for his country and his family. Slava Ukraine🇺🇦

[@johntracey6451]

I wish you all the best of luck and your freedom and the freedom of your country.💙💛

[@Vbluevital]

Honor and commitment of this brave hardworking loving man. 💙💛💔😘

[@xaxu_1012]

My bow to this old man. I myself didn't know much about Ukraine even in 2014 annexed of Crimea that i thought it just Russia internal trouble affair but now I learn so much about Ukraine. Slava ukraine.

[@jetmec]

I live in Ukraine and wanted to fight when the things invaded and was told no! as I was to old at 64 at that time, I still want to do something to help flush the shit out of the country I live in

[@nian60]

Some non-combat help that I have seen people doing is driving donated trucks and cars from the rest of Europe to Ukraine, and collecting military gear in Western countries and sending that to Ukraine. But you are helping just by watching videos and commenting.

[@Rgunt8905]

Do you even know what's going on? Since you're so worked up. Lol 😆

[@chriscordoba3979]

you can still join now but it you won't make a difference lol

[@williewonka6694]

A brave and determined man who leads the way.

[@jhandover6934]

🙏🙏MAY THE 👊FORCES 👊BE WITH 🇺🇦UKRAINE 🇺🇦 🙏🙏

[@jamespriddy8275]

Our Value changes throughout life. First we are young, brave, idealistic, stubborn, and stupid. Our value is our young strong bodies and enthusiasm to get things done and proudly see the results. Later, we have gained experience, accept the value of the older generation, slow down to make sure we get things right, developed plans for a future, provided for our families, learned about being more rationale, and often take a self assessment. As we grow into slowing bodies, we have gained enormous experiences, have learned about managing people, have developed immense pride in our accomplishments, and hopefully, freely share our national pride, our ability to assess a bigger picture, and find pleasure in doing what our bodies allow, for the greater good. Of course he has limitations. But surely there is a place where is life experiences can motivate and inspire his fellow fighters. Obviously, the commander must assess in what place his willingness can work. Bless our seniors!

[@gregb3457]

Praise God for Oleksandr Taran. May he live long enough to see victory and be able to restore his house. Respect to all of the Ukrainians and allies who fight to save their land, their homes, and their means of living free.

[@BingoPaletot]

I never thought The Expendables could be real. Kudos to this indomitable warrior. May he live long in his new house.

[@moonchild1687]

Дуже хоробрий старий, по розмові та очах видно що добра людина.

[@billbrockman779]

I’m a bit older than this hero. I’d like to think I’d defend my nation as well as he does. My fellow Americans who seem to not understand what’s at stake in Ukraine should watch this.

[@joeie5979]

Billy Brainwashed Brockman wake up : you are getting fooled left right and centre . You deserve better. Open your eyes , brain ,mind .

[@ozioz6285]

what stakes in Ukraine? u have no idea. you get your info from American and Western channels. he wanna die for American interests.u call that smart? listen colonel McGregor if you wanna learn something.

[@chriscordoba3979]

Don't make me laugh. You are speaking out loud cause you are in a comfortable chair right now, but when the SHTF you will not want to be there. Believe me Americans have enough problems on a national and local lever to even pay attention to some far far away land that does not matter to us. SMH!

[@girlfriday1299]

My God, what an irrepressible spirit! Thank you so much for covering this! Does it ever occur to anyone anymore that the experience and wisdom of people who have lived that many years has great value? I guess he showed them! Glory and victory to beautiful Ukraine! 💙💛💙💛

[@buzzinsmaug664]

TOTAL RESPECT FRIEND FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOR UKRAINE AND THE FREE WORLD 🌎 ...SLAVA UKRAINE FROM LIVERPOOL UK ..YNWA 🇧🇧🌻🇬🇧

[@paulcreed5748]

Old men like you and me have the experience and skills to advise and assist our country! (Complete with grey hairs) 👍

[@chriscordoba3979]

No against Russian, you have not experience, HECK even my Country the USA cannot fight against a LAND POWER like Russia. SO relax and chill do not act out of line now that you have experience. I am very sure you are aware of the Russian capabilities. Its no joke they have too strong and better fighters in the LAND. USA is only a MARINE and AIRBORN power but not LAND. Don't forget that!

[@CalimehChelonia]

Long live Ukraine! Support from Austria.

[@Davi_7]

Thanks for your information, and please, go on doing such a great work 💪👏🇺🇦

[@axios101]

Only possible comment: Slava Ukraini!!! 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦

[@gallanonim2632]

Jesteście wspaniali ! Jesteście wzorem dla całego świata ! SŁAWA UKRAINIE !!! Wygracie tę wojnę .

[@miguelangellemuscuevas9338]

*** God Bless***

[@jeffbland3635]

SLAVA UKRAINI FROM AUSTRALIA BRAVE NATION OF PEOPLE

[@conniepr]

I assume their wasn't anyone with his knowledge. Victory for Ukraine.

[@joh8379]

One of thousands of breav warriors. What a legend! Glory to the heros ✊️🇺🇦

[@AngelDarkMatter]

A warrior's heart does not age💙💛💪

[@jeffkablock3229]

my hats off to you sir SLAVA UKRAINE !

[@normanf.quimpo7785]

A salute from Manila to this Old Man who has the heart of a twenty one year old!

[@leontinaleal3251]

Respect to UKRAINE! What a man.Glory to HEROES 🇺🇦💓🌹👏🇺🇦✌️🌍

[@RacerX1971]

Man oh man, Taran is why they will not lose. He is very motivated and fairly sure he inspires others, specially the younger onez

[@nightengale7163]

Brave Ukranian warrior 🪖💪 Bless him 🙏 Ukraine will be victorious. Glory to Ukraine! 🇺🇦💙💛🌻✨ 🇺🇲❤️🇺🇦

[@deanmoxom1330]

On a promise

[@chantra4s]

We are deeply saddened for the loss of Ukrainian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the war fighting against Russian invaders. Please share my condolences to the families of the Ukrainian fallen soldiers. We never forget you soldiers of Ukraine. I am so proud of Ukrainian Army who never give up defending their people, cities, territories, freedom, and democracy from cruel and evil foreign invaders. I and the world will always stand with the Ukrainian people and their respected President Volodymyr Zelensky. We support you taking back all your land (recognized by the UN and international laws) from Russia. Glory Ukraine ❤

[@U.H8]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🙏🏻❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🤩🤗

[@timmardon6161]

I am 65 and ex Cavalry British Army so i take my hat off to Oleksandr Taran and good luck to you sir!!

[@riyazahmad6828]

🇺🇦💛💙slava 🇺🇦 Ukraine and love you ⚘🌹hiro🇺🇦💛💙⚘🌹✌

[@Zelimus]

Thank you so so so so much for your work RadioLiberty!

[@ImBotTheOnlyOne]

The only way to Valhalla is with a weapon in your hand

[@dianawoods6991]

War is nothing but a heartbreaker! Hope you can rebuild your home. You have served Ukraine well!!! ✌🎽👍

[@wealthbuilder59]

Never too old to fight! Glory to Ukraine!

[@ellasmommy9278]

What a resilient man. Keep up the good fight! I've said it before and I'll say it again, Ukrainians are the most badass people in the world.. Slava Ukraini 💙💛🇺🇦 Heroyam Slava ✊💪

[@hcellix]

I am 66 and have a bum leg with a cane myself. I was a Master's Swimmer and always in shape but seems everything is hitting me now. I don't think I could help with the physical part of your home but there should be a high priority for all veterans of war to get a good home repaired or like yours a brand new one built. You can help but I hope there will be many at your door when your time comes. Stay Safe and maybe do things behind the line more like repair equipment. Just look at it differently. You have nothing to prove but it's very hard to keep up with a 25-year-old. I know I can't and I would feel if we got in a bad way I could get injured and slow down your fellow soldiers. You are a hero in my book. But when I saw you in 2014 and now you have aged just like me. I used to think something was wrong with me but it's just the aging process. Many men don't do well in 60's and do better in their 70's . Look it up and read about it. I just think you are more of a hero and you can lead In lots of ways alive and well. Take care Thanks, Adonis

[@thomasmcconnell4209]

God Bless You! I pray for Ukraine every day.

[@haimbenavraham1502]

A great man, a courageous soldier, a loyal cat.

[@stblackpanter02]

Big Respect for them 🎖🏅

[@billybobkingston5604]

Nothing romantic about war, well said Sir and good luck from Ireland

[@billyjohnesterhuizen6340]

GREAT MY FRIEND. I WAS ALSO IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARMY IN 1971. AM 69 NOW BUT STILL FIT AND WILLING TO FIGHT THE ENEMY. PITTY I'M ON GOVERNMENT PENSION, OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE CAME AND FIGHT WITH YOU AGAINST THE RUSSIANS. THEIR TRAINING IS SO BAD THAT EVEN A BUNCH OF BABOONS WOULD LAUGH AT THEM, BUT KEEP IT UP AND SHOW THE YOUNG ONES' HOW IT'S DONE !! .......GLORY TO UKRAINE !!!!!