Trenches instead of catwalks: Ukrainian model gives up her career to serve in the National Guard

Before Russia's full-scale invasion, Yulia from Kyiv was conquering the national catwalk and dreaming of foreign contracts. However, after February 24, 2022, the model's life changed. She decided to give up fashion shoots and collaborations with brands and instead joined the Rage assault brigade, where she donned boots, a helmet and a military uniform.

The girl was determined to help bring our country closer to victory in The Offensive Guard. Especially since Yulia's beloved is also at the frontline, fighting in the hot spots of Donbas. Radio Liberty journalists told the story of the model who preferred the trenches to the catwalk.

"I had some contracts abroad in my plans. The girls who have left now, who have left, have proven themselves very well in Europe. They work well, I watch them. But for me, I came to the conclusion that I want to be here," the beauty said.

She stayed on, gained skills in tactical medicine over the course of a year, and then became an instructor.

During the selection process for the Rage assault brigade, the model was the only girl from Kyiv and the region, which further motivated her to join the Offensive Guard - they needed various specialists, including medics. Yulia was immediately warned that the conditions would be the same for everyone - both men and women.

"I knew right away where I was going, no one would feel sorry for me here. It was hard. Basic physical endurance - my body was not ready. But I knew that I really wanted to get here, so I had no other choice," Yulia commented.

The ex-model's lover told her many stories about how soldiers on the front line died because there was simply no one there to provide first aid. Yulia hopes to be able to save the lives of Ukrainian heroes.

"Free hands are always needed there. I hope to be as useful as possible there. It doesn't scare me, it motivates me," the Ukrainian summed up.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL reported that a Russian missile destroyed a high-rise building where the famous Ukrainian model Yulia Ratner grew up. She said that if she had not moved out of the city, she could have been among the victims. Read more in our article.

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