With a mischievous smile and a playful glimmer in her eyes, Olga, who goes by the call sign Cerberus, declares, “If I were to reveal the count of my confirmed kills, I’d be inviting trouble.” Like the legendary, multi-headed dog known as the “Hound of Hades,” she maintains an air of mystery and intrigue.
Olga, a skilled sniper in the Ukrainian army, courageously defends her homeland against the invading forces.
For the safety of her family, the highly skilled killer, also known as Ulster, requested that her surname be kept confidential.
“I have to say, I remained surprisingly calm when I took my first life. It’s important to note that I don’t kill people, I eliminate enemies,” reveals Olga, a 24-year-old sniper. Not only does Olga face the challenges of being a sniper, she also navigates the difficulties of being openly gay in the military, a feat that is especially challenging in Ukraine.”
In my conversations, both on and off the record, with numerous gay, lesbian, and queer Ukrainian military personnel, it has become evident that many of them have endured various forms of harassment. These experiences have ranged from being subjected to taunting and teasing to enduring physical violence, including beatings and even gang rape. What makes these situations particularly difficult is the expectation that fellow soldiers, who are supposed to have each other’s backs on the frontline, should be trustworthy and supportive.
According to Olga, her comrades are completely accepting of her being openly gay.
As a lesbian woman serving in the military, I haven’t faced any major challenges. My fellow soldiers treat me with respect and value my support, just as I value theirs. In fact, I take pride in fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals wherever I can. It’s a cause that holds great significance for me.
Olga, a member of the sniper platoon stationed on the Kharkiv frontline, enlisted in the army on February 25, 2022. Within a few weeks, she was already actively involved in combat operations.
“All the battles and frontlines have been incredibly tough and challenging. Living in squalor, enduring the cold, and constantly risking our lives have been part of our daily reality. As a female sniper, I have found that it actually gives me certain advantages. Personally, I haven’t encountered any difficulties with my comrades, and I cannot afford to have any. We are all fighting for the same goal – a victory for Ukraine,” shares Olga. She acknowledges that the war is something that cannot be forgotten, especially the memories of fallen comrades who can never be brought back. Despite the hardships, Olga remains determined to continue her military service even after the war.”
Olga shares a remarkable story reminiscent of the film ‘G.I. Jane.’ She recounts her experience as a sniper for 10 months, followed by a two-week training where she outperformed all her colleagues in the final competition. Despite facing additional challenges during her second training, including having a titanium plate placed in her leg and only a month of rehabilitation, Olga emerged victorious once again. Her male counterparts informed the instructor about her leg injury, requesting leniency and lighter tasks. However, Olga proudly asserted her equality as a soldier, rejecting any special treatment or indulgences.
During her leisure time, Olga enjoys spending quality time with her coworkers, indulging in barbecuing delicious meat and unwinding. She has a deep fondness for cats and always ensures that there are a few feline companions in her vicinity. She firmly believes that their presence and warmth provide healing benefits, particularly when they snuggle up on her back.
She sets aside a portion of her earnings specifically for investing in better equipment.
“I prefer to wield a semi-automatic SGD or Sniper Rifle Dragunov as my primary weapon, accompanied by the trusty PM pistol Makarov. However, I have plans to acquire a bolt-action rifle in the future, as it will allow me to engage enemies from a greater distance, amplifying the impact of my shots,” she shared. While she keeps her partner’s civilian occupation a secret, she openly discusses their relationship, proudly highlighting their shared military background.
Olga, who has lesbian friends in the military and a girlfriend who is a machine gunner, shares her personal experience. She mentions that although her girlfriend prefers not to have her photos shown, they have been together for more than six months. While Olga is supportive of the LGBTQ community, she admits that she has never attended a Pride March.
“I’ve been incredibly busy lately, but I strongly believe that we deserve the same rights as everyone else in Ukraine. We should have the freedom to live our lives just like everyone else. Personally, I dream of marrying my partner one day and becoming a mother, especially considering that I don’t have a mother myself. However, I feel that these aspirations must be put on hold until the war comes to an end.”
I inquire about her experience living in a constant state of uncertainty, where the looming presence of death is always present, never knowing if tomorrow will be seen.
“I’ve been lucky enough to not require rescue so far. When it comes to any task, the first priority is always to ensure minimal risk to one’s life. Personally, spending a day on the front line has become routine for me. I’ve grown accustomed to the sound of gunshots and explosions, to the point where they no longer bother me. In fact, one could argue they even have a calming effect, especially when we’re successfully pushing back the Russians. Each day, we’re assigned tasks by our superiors, and I prefer to work alone,” she explained calmly, almost detachedly
“What are your goals in life?” I inquire.
Olga expressed her determination to balance her family life, military service, and marriage. She also emphasized her commitment to prove that the Wagner monsters are not welcome and to teach them a lesson they will never forget.
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