Breaking the shackles of stereotypes: Roma soldiers in Ukraine's battle for survival

«Roma in the ranks of the Armed Forces not only defend Ukraine, but also prove that they are full citizens of their country»

Author - Yanush Panchenko

The Romani community in Ukraine has faced discrimination, social inequality, persecution from far-right groups, and stereotypes for many years. Many considered the Roma to be apolitical and showing little interest in the public life of their country. However, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine proved otherwise. Hundreds of Roma stood up to defend their homeland, fighting side by side with representatives of other peoples of Ukraine. They proved that they are an integral part of Ukrainian society, ready to sacrifice themselves for the future of their friends, loved ones, neighbors, and even strangers.

Among those who took up arms and went to the front are Arsen Mednyk Alexey Panchenko and Radik Farkash. Their stories are stories of courage and bravery of ordinary people who never planned to take part in combat.

Arsen is the youngest of our heroes, today he is 34 years old. He grew up in the tragically famous Bucha. Before the war, he led a quiet life, working as a shoemaker in one of the workshops. But after the invasion began and his hometown was occupied, where Russian soldiers carried out a brutal massacre of civilians, Arsen decided to join the ranks of the Ukrainian army. First, he enlisted in the territorial defense and then became an infantryman in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Arsen is one of those warriors who were at the very forefront, as they say in military language, «at zero». During two and a half years of service, he narrowly escaped death several times. Once, a bullet pierced his helmet, tore his head, but fortunately did not cause a fatal injury. Another time, he was hit by a rocket attack and lost several fingers on his right hand. However, this was not the worst — doctors gave no guarantees that he would survive. Three weeks in a coma, hearing loss, constant headaches — all this became a trial not only physical but also psychological. Nevertheless, he managed to overcome all this, and now his main dream is to see his country free and peaceful.

«I risked my life, I lost my health, but thank God, I survived. I wanted to protect people, regardless of their nationality — both Roma and Ukrainians. I hope that my example and what I and other brothers did will at least slightly change the attitude towards my nation in Ukraine».

Another hero, Alexey Panchenko, is from Kamenka-Dneprovskaya in the Zaporizhzhia region. In peacetime, he worked as a long-haul truck driver in Europe. A few days before the invasion, he returned from work in Poland to his hometown, which soon found itself under Russian occupation. After living for several months under the control of the Russian army, Alexey decided to evacuate his family — his wife and three children — to the free territory of Ukraine. Every night his children heard the rumble of military vehicles, saw how their city was being filled with a foreign army. Alexey understood: if they didn't leave now, it might be too late later. Having taken his family to a safe place on one of the March days, he made a firm decision to return and meet the enemy not as a civilian, but as a soldier with a weapon in his hands.

«From day one, I said that I am Roma. Many of our brothers are now at war, many have died. Why should I hide who I am? I wanted people to see: we, Roma, also want to live where we were born. I don't want Russian authority; I want to live the way I lived. And people's reaction to this was very good».

Our third hero, Radik Farkash, is from Uzhhorod. Like Alexey, he is a father of many children. According to Ukrainian laws, he could have been exempted from military service. However, in the first months of the war, he went to the military commissariat and volunteered for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In April, being a father of four children, he joined the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade.

«Me kamav te džanen manuša, so hin ajse roma, save na daran te meren. Me na phenav, so na kamav te dživav, — kamav, ale nisave love, nisavo barvalipen nane cyneder, sar tiri phuv. Ada miri phuv, miro kher, mek ćororo hin, no oda miro, paťa mange».

«I want people to know: there are Roma who are not afraid to die. I'm not saying I don't want to live — I do, but no money, no wealth is more valuable than your land. This is my land, my home. Even if it's poor, it's mine, believe me».

Today, Roma are fighting in all branches of the military — in infantry, airborne forces, artillery. They are not just defending Ukraine, but also proving that they are full-fledged citizens of their country. Their feat is a challenge to prejudices that have existed for centuries.

Roma in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Defenders of Democracy, Justice, and Diversity

Author - Nataliia Tomenko

The Roma community is an integral part of Ukrainian society, which has evolved over centuries as a multicultural and diverse nation. Roma people live, work, contribute to cultural development, and fight for their country on equal terms with other citizens. However, their contribution to the defence of Ukraine often remains unnoticed or underestimated. Despite a long history of discrimination and social marginalisation, thousands of Roma today serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, demonstrating dedication and bravery. 

Choosing to Fight: Responsibility to Country and Community

One among many soldiers is Mykola Almazov, who voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2023. His decision was not only an act of patriotism but also a response to an internal call to fight for justice. «Something stirred within me – I realised I could not stand aside. I am not only defending my country; I am also defending the honour of my community», –  he says. For him, this choice became part of a personal mission – to prove that Roma people are an inseparable part of the Ukrainian nation and that they, too, are willing to risk their lives for their country.

His journey led him through intensive training in Vasylkiv, where he learned military skills alongside his comrades. He was then assigned to the Marine Infantry, serving under some of the most dangerous conditions. The combat operations he took part in included storming occupied territories, crossing rivers under enemy fire, and urban combat. «During my first battle, there was no fear – only determination and the desire to protect my fellow soldiers», – he recalls. In these harsh conditions, he realised that war is not only about weapons but also about trust and mutual support among soldiers, regardless of their background.

Roma in the Military: Changing Perceptions

Although ethnicity does not play a role on the battlefield, many stereotypes persist in society.  «In war, everyone is equal – what matters is what you can do and how you fight», – says Mykola. In the uniform, under heavy fire, it is not a person's background that counts but how much they can be relied upon. However, he witnessed some Roma soldiers hiding their origins for fear of discrimination. «I met guys who didn’t want anyone to know they were Roma. But why? We are all here for the same reason – to defend Ukraine».

For Mykola, the war has been an opportunity not only to fight the enemy but also to change perceptions of the Roma community. He emphasises that while nationality loses its significance in battle, stereotypes in civilian life can be more deeply rooted than any weapon.

War as an Opportunity to Change Social Attitudes

 «Roma were once seen only as musicians or traders. Now, they are seen in uniform with weapons – and that is changing perceptions», – says Mykola. He understands that war is a terrible ordeal, but at the same time, it provides an opportunity to break centuries-old stereotypes.

His story serves as proof that Roma are not just part of Ukraine; they are its defenders. Recognising their role in the war will help integrate the Roma community into Ukrainian society as equal citizens. «We no longer need to prove that we belong to this country – we have already proven it with our blood», –  he states.

What Happens After the War?

«If the state does not take care of its veterans, it will be a national tragedy», –  warns Mykola. He emphasises that many soldiers will require social protection, rehabilitation, and support to reintegrate into civilian life. Many will leave the front with both physical and psychological wounds and will need assistance to find their place in peacetime. «Today, we are fulfilling our duty, but after the war, it is crucial that every veteran has the opportunity to secure a place in society, access education, employment, and the necessary support».

Mykola also highlights that Roma must actively assert their role in the war. «Our fight is part of Ukraine’s broader struggle. We have proven that we are ready to defend our country, and we want this to be acknowledged by all». He believes that after the war, it will be time for the true recognition of the Roma people's role in shaping Ukraine’s future.

«We do not ask for special treatment – we only want to be recognised as equals. This war is our chance to change how society perceives us», –  concludes Mykola Almazov.