Ukrainian 'Granddad' Defending Ancestral Cossack Homeland

A 63-year-old Ukrainian soldier with the call sign "Granddad" is fighting to defend his ancestral Cossack homeland in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya region.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/ukrainian-gra...
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#russia #ukraine

[@peacehope23]

Big respect to this grandad defender..ur a true hero in ur country.. Glory to all brave defenders of Ukraine 🙏❤️

[@pedrohenrique-lv1oy]

die nazis

[@JB-pu8ik]

Grandad looks like one of my Granduncles, who was also a wizzened old farmer who smoked pipe tobacco, and had a fairly magnificent beard. If the two are anything alike some Russians will have some very bad days.

[@pedrohenrique-lv1oy]

@@JB-pu8ik Grandad is a fucking nazi, and need die

[@loganmancini8759]

@@pedrohenrique-lv1oy the one Ho needs to die is you nazi scum bag.

[@mortenvikene228]

go and join you psychopath

[@aaronjohn6586]

When a 63 year old grandpa is fighting for his children and his children's children that is all you need to know about the determination of the Ukrainian people.

[@noahway13]

I think they should all be out there. Why kill all the young guys with their life ahead of them? I'm 55, from the US, and I'm signing up for the legion.

[@Shibalove9454]

God bless you guy’s…Love & hugs from a 70 year old grandfather from Florida, USA. Sending you love, extended reach munitions & soon…F-16’s & Abrams and a whole lot of cool big boy toys that go… BADA-BOOM! 💥💥🔥💥💥BADA-BOOM!! 👍🏼😎 Jaga-Jaga as Magyar loves to say! 💪🏼🇺🇦Slava Ukrani🇺🇦🤝🏼🇺🇸

[@josepbenet3694]

All my respect for you all !! Proud of Cossack people!! Slava Ukraini!!

[@user-gc5nx3vk5r]

Казаки никогда не были Украинцами.

[@user-ul2tp6jb6c]

I hope they will make it out to tell their grandchildren about the struggle

[@Mifiboi]

This man probably fights alpngside his grandchildren tbh

[@cybercat29]

Same her🙏🇺🇦

[@emilianozapata2530]

Hahahahah

[@user-gc5nx3vk5r]

Выживут, они живучие. Их отцы видать за Гитлера воевали, концлагеря охраняли, мирных в Волыне резали...

[@marlenfras5490]

Well done. Good reporting. Go Ukraine.

[@ivancho5854]

Tough as nails. 👍 Slava Ukraine. 🇺🇦🇬🇧

[@1LEgGOdt]

I’m amazed that even at their age, they’re still fit for combat.

[@petersack5074]

I can, guarentee you, THEY DO NOT EAT MODERN SO-CALLED ' FOOD '. (mostly preservatives, a dozen types of sodium, and other crap = P O I S O N ) THESE GUYS, EAT ' SPADE TO SPOON '. WHICH IS WHY, they're still ABLE-BODIED, AND NOT OBESE, DIABETIC, NOR FULL OF IBS, COLITIS, IBS, AND OTHER DISEASES....

[@hurfar_1]

Don’t be amazed by this He is fighting because of what he believes in, his principles and his family - from his point of view his age in this scenario is not important I’m from the very furthest opposite region of Europe - West of Ireland... my family and neighbours can recount similar stories to his at his age of fighting oppressive occupying forces The will of people is very hard to break Good luck to him

[@monsieurfoupierre]

He's not

[@TheBeardedWonder23]

Fit for combat or not... they are defending. You might do the same if your home was invaded.

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

The Cossak`s war slogan : Freedom or Death ! This folks know what they are fighting for. Follow the history of the ,, Lienzer Cossak`s!

[@PierceStudent]

A realistic view. "We don't want another war in 10 years." A long way to go.

[@kellahella5286]

🇺🇦💪

[@jagga-jagga]

Remember the first video you did with these same men. Glad to see they are still alive. "I would rather fight and wear this heavy equipment than the light collar of a slave" or something close to it but one of my fav quotes..

[@imyourdad2458]

All the power and glory to the legendary Cossacks. SLAVA UKRAINE HEROYAM SLAVA.

[@North-of-the-49th]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦. ❤️ from Canada 🇨🇦. RESPECT.

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Wow! Appreciate this story. So many more are left to share with us. Thank you from Eastern Canadian household, our monthly donations continue and so far 3 donations to the sniffers 69th brigade...more vehicles to the frontlines of Ukraine amazing, brave, smart, intelligent Army! 💝🇨🇦 💪🇺🇦 💙💛🇺🇦

[@angelareznik1171]

❤👍🧡🇺🇦

[@suigeneris3909]

Bless you! My family is donating to United 24 on a monthly basis. Слава Україні 💛💙

[@magicbulletdancers]

Thank you for the consistently encouraging comments, that we cont' to donate what we're able to. ❤️ from CA. Glory to 🇺🇦 💯 !

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

@@magicbulletdancers Hey there again magicbullet! Yes, let us continue to show support in any way we can....bravo CA....great💯 to hear from you again, Eastern Canadian household☺🍁🇨🇦

[@dkrawk8309]

Stop shaming Canadian people and support the ukrianian nazism

[@shannonstraughan4383]

Respect to this man!

[@Hope-iz5vs]

Brave men. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦.

[@dkrawk8309]

Nazi

[@loganmancini8759]

Slava Ukraine

[@dkrawk8309]

@@loganmancini8759 V SOSTAVE ROSII

[@xax8918]

The legendary Cossack warriors continue to today, their reputation precedes them, long live the Cossacks and this brave grandad.

[@dubravkajameson9247]

Glory and Victory to Ukraine💙💛👍🏻👌🏻💪🏻🙏

[@dkrawk8309]

No victory for nazism

[@DM-7]

@@dkrawk8309 right. Down with Russia and it's nazi leaders.

[@histriamagna1014]

​@@dkrawk8309 The fascist is hiding in Kremlin. Klero fascist nationalist old midget.

[@len4319]

Oh God please give these Ukraine defenders the spirit of courage, confident, wisdom and concentration and protection. Hope of freedom and peace. God help strengthen the defenders and deliver them from the illegal enemies. In the mighty name of Jesus is your shield, buckler, salvation and freedom. Shalom 🙏 🍀💕

[@imsunasong3912]

Bless grandad!!🙏🙏🙏

[@hansericsson7058]

Slava Ukraini!💛💙 love and respect from Sweden💛💙

[@dkrawk8309]

V SOSTAVE ROSII

[@lorysutherland5464]

Thank-You Warriors.. Grandpa is my age.. Much Respect.

[@seasoul2007]

Уважение бесконечное И старым и молодым воинам Украины. На их стороне добро и они победят.

[@__JIecHuK__]

на их стороне куй панский за щекой, а они и не видят )))

[@JohnnyD45]

✝️🙏🏻

[@user-ow5sf6mo1l]

Смотри не обосрись победитель 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@dkrawk8309]

"СМЕРТЬ ФАШИСТАМ "

[@bgdabg6769]

​@@laczko87 he mean fascists

[@d3rg3rat]

I salute you Sir.

[@Adv-vr1uh]

There is a mistake in the subtitles. Not "two rounds" but "two magazines". Ugh, there actually a lot of mistranslations. Also, you used the word "people" for cossacks that might create a false impression that they are some sort of separate ethnic group while in reality it's a social class. Make no mistake - they are ethnic Ukrainians. The most common definition of the term "cossack" is a free armed man.

[@ivancho5854]

Thank you. Good to know. 👍

[@pittsfieldbeast]

They even used here instead of hear

[@mishaillich9728]

My respects to this man who despite his age is at the foot of the canyon defending his homeland!

[@humbertomonteiro6742]

❤❤, vivaaaaaa brave Ukraine fighters

[@suzannegagne8692]

Stay safe….who says elders can’t participate! I’d buy grandad a drink if I was there!

[@nabeelaboufayed5735]

God bless him HERO

[@alonsocushing2263]

As one vet grandfather to another I salute you 'Granddad'.

[@xavierfelix2567]

❗️GO GRANDPA❗️OLD GUYS CAN STILL FIGHT❗️

[@tommykankare6775]

Unbelievable hero that old men!! A HUGE RESPECT!! 💪✌️🙏 SLAVA UKRAINI!! 🇺🇦

[@rasmuswittsell10]

Older men and women can be excellent defensive fighters. They are brave, cunning and they are not afraid to die, if it comes to that. I have noticed that the Ukrainian tank crews are also often a bit older. But the offensive formations need younger soldiers.

[@gregorydesleskine3413]

Слава дідові. Я теж нащадок запорізького козака і якби я жив в Україні, то одразу б приєднався до нього. Glory to the grandfather. I am also a descendant of a Zaporhizian Cossak and if I was living in Ukraine I would join him immediately. SLAVA UKRAINI !!

[@dkrawk8309]

"Slava ukrajine " is a bendera nazi sligan used to murder people!

[@D25Reg-ie9su]

Glory to Ukraine soldiers…stay safe….❤️🇺🇦🇵🇭🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@stephendraper5074]

Great dude! Victory for all of Ukraine.

[@petersack5074]

Cossacks ? hmm.....i may be a descendant. Same last name. Grandpa and Grandma came from this area, over 110 years ago. oh well.....

[@CalimehChelonia]

Respect to them and their ancestors! ☝💪 Have you already written a letter to the sultan of moscow ?

[@corazonagoncillo2699]

It is really heart breaking what the unprovoked war of Putin is doing to the Ukrainians like this great grandfather who is supposed to be enjoying his retirement or last remaining years in peace with family and friends!

[@AgarthaWaffen]

Ukraine brings UPAIN Slava Ukraine

[@brianhornsby954]

Total respect sir keep up the fight

[@VSchopper]

Glory to Ukrainian Heroes! Ukraine will win! Thank you!

[@Tanhoi1975]

❤Bravo Ukraine Dad !Same my age but U are doing a great job ! God bless U! Granddad

[@ray1965ify]

Most grandfathers will fight to their death for their children and grand children . this man is an example of a real man.

[@marcmech1]

The elderly gentleman is supposed to smoke his pipe in his backyard, with his grandchildren around him, not on the battlefield.

[@milesbrown8016]

Very brave granddad 🇺🇦❤️🇺🇦❤️🇺🇦

[@user-DrJoe-Future]

I see so much wisdom and experience in his face.

[@JohnnyD45]

✝️🙏🏻Protection and prosperity for all of Ukraine!!!🇺🇸✌🏻🇺🇦

[@kellahella5286]

🇺🇦💪

[@samanthav8728]

Пошана над повагою всім поколінням, які боролися за Волю своєї країни! Бережи Боже і Героям Слава «Діду»!

[@dkrawk8309]

Еэякых гыйройив нэма, Боже вас дужэ бэрэжэ после того как вы палите церкви...... Куйив горыть во гни БАНДЕРЛЯКУ НА ГЫЛЯКУ

[@robertwest7197]

Like others have said, huge respect for Granddad!

[@sandycchen6419]

Love, respect and support to the brave defenders of Ukraine.

[@prb9934]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alicemc8774]

This man is a legend.

[@GEOsustainable]

My heart is with you, Pops.

[@user-nn8og7nj9c]

ce grand père fait honneur à tout les cossacks!!!! Sa famille sa descendance pourra en être fier!!! SLAVA ZSU 🇺🇦 🇲🇫

[@righteousbyfaithinChrist]

❤️❤️❤️❤️🇺🇦💪🙏🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸 Old and young with freedom flowing through their veins.

[@charleslloyd7762]

The whole world is in awe at the bravery and brilliance of Ukrainian freedom fighters. Slava Ukraine

[@bikechainmic]

toytal respect to thos man. God Bless You Sir

[@user-tp5vg6hx6g]

Good luck and good fortune to all of you guys, you deserve more than this war,

[@resistancerat]

1:28 He says they had 2 magazines not 2 rounds.

[@markthompson8656]

yea it was hard to believe he only when into battle with only rds .

[@TonyM540]

Hard as nails. Slava Ukraine.

[@tilmanpott]

" I don't want my children and grandchildren waging another war in 10 years" Very wise and so right about that!

[@user-rz9wh5hx2f]

Good luck men 💪🏽. Stay strong & focused, the whole world is with you 👊🏾🙏💙💛

[@isaacbacka8731]

Someone get my man a zippo, he deserve better than a bic lighter for his efforts!!

[@thattubesound2214]

Ukrainian Cossacks rule! Slava Ukraini! From Champaign, Illinois, USA.

[@thiagomalotcavallieri7063]

His face is not strange. Is this grandfather fighting since the begining of the invasion?? God bless him and the other cossacks! Slava Ukraini!🙏🏻🇺🇦

[@winstonsmith2627]

look at that badass hair. Legend. Slava Ukraini !!!

[@Ryan_Revier]

The spirit of the people still securing and will be kept in their hearts and sould for the Republic of Ukraine..❤️❤️❤️

[@fredpinczuk7352]

I remember ready the fable Taras Boulba when I was 10 years old. And I still recall the conclusion of the book. Don't f#ck with the Cossacks. They never give up.

[@davidsimplicio4676]

Becouse of this granddad i want to go to Frontline to meet him 😊

[@timmommens901]

🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦❤🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 Update on the 16th convoy NAFO 69th sniffing brigade channel Pickup truck donation 🇺🇦💪🛻 ❤ granddad

[@lynnsautner7706]

Cossack warriors all ..the best of the best ...Slava Ukraine HEROYAM SLAVA 🇺🇦🇺🇸💪

[@danweber8382]

💪🙏💙💛Glory to Ukraine💙💛🙏💪

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

🇬🇧👍🇺🇦❤️ from Ukraine's national anthem: 'Soul and body shall we lay down for our freedom, And we will show, that we, brothers, are of Cossack descent.'

[@sinjinmonsoon9055]

Brave man.

[@hsugraduation2103]

These people are so brave.

[@kristinamelnichenko5775]

🦁🌻🇺🇦 Слава Україні! #SlavaUkraini #СлаваУкраїні #fightlikeaUkrainian

[@Fubar2024]

All of Ukraine’s defenders are heroes! 🇺🇦💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛🇨🇦

[@user-es4xj5wu1x]

God Bless the brave Cossack Warriors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rodeo4786]

One heart one mind. Slava Ukraine Heroyam Slava.

[@MrJdsenior]

Kudos to grandad. Older Ukrainians are TOUGH. Stay safe.

[@jelenavanagiene9307]

Gerojam Slava !!!

[@MicroMountainsDude]

They not sending helicopters anymore 😂. What a legend. He and his battalion are hero’s!

[@maineusaMax]

He has a lot to teach, and offer his countrymen. Age doesn't matter, just like President Biden.

[@geeewiz2231]

It's dynasty is to win this War. Slava Ukrain

[@MsUa125]

Ukrainian men who fought and are currently fighting for freedom and independence are a valuable asset and the pride of Ukraine.

[@susansmith9263]

Only a minority of Ukrainians belong to this famed social group, the Ukrainian Cossacks, but their influence on history, culture and psychology of this land is profound! 💙💛 Praying for this Grandad to keep his homeland free and safe from invaders. Слава Україні Героям Слава 🇺🇲 🇺🇦

[@ernst91]

Bad ass.

[@beam3819]

Ukraine defenders 💙💛

[@paintballusa1658]

Be safe 👍🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@Hitomiogamiito]

Slava Ukraini

[@j.C1405]

Ju uroj fat shendet dhe fitore ketyre patriotave te popullit te okraines. Slava okraina 👊👊🇺🇦🇺🇦🇽🇰

[@lornamorgan3575]

I like Grandad. I've seen him before

[@imaginemetoo]

SLAVA UKRAINI RIGHTEOUS HEROES 🔱🇺🇦 DEFENDERS OF THE FRONT OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY IN EUROPE AND THE WEST 🇺🇦🔱 KEEP SAFE 🙏🏻💙💛

[@anthonyhall2565]

Slava Ukraini!

[@marvinc9994]

'Granddad' should be fine; it is a statistical _fact_ that pipe-smokers not only have a greater life expectancy than cigarette-smokers (as you'd imagine), but they also tend to outlive NON-smokers by a good margin (something else Teacher didn't tell you, Children)!

[@billwhite1603]

Second time I have seen of XX soldiers with Very small tiny little vest. So vest do not come in large? Ukraine cannot provide vest? Or other countries cannot donate full chest adult vest?

[@luisritanogueira]

Great people

[@redrum7619]

Protect your position with everything you have Respect from 🇬🇧👊💯🇺🇦🇺🇦💯

[@luisritanogueira]

Brave men

[@JG-mp5nb]

His grandchildren will know of his love for them and his hatred of the Russian invaders. Slava Ukraine!