Setkání s ukrajinskou bojovnicí Runou

An interview with Viktoria J., call sign Runa, commander of the drone unit of the 56th Mariupol Brigade, which is currently operating near Kramatorsk in the direction of Časiv Jar, will take place on August 17, 2026.

Viktoria joined the army immediately after graduating from high school and gradually worked her way up to become the commander of an artillery unit. From the very beginning, she participated in the fighting in the Donetsk region, where her brigade still operates today. For her service, she received numerous military awards and was included in the prestigious Ukrainian Forbes 30 under 30 list.

Currently, the lives of soldiers holding positions right on the zero line depend on the work of Viktoria and her unit. In addition to destroying enemy positions and mining the enemy's roads, it mainly ensures the logistical supply of these soldiers with food, water and ammunition. She is very difficult to replace and despite being exhausted, she feels the obligation to continue her work.

Viktorie arrives together with her superior Michal S. on a vacation ordered by the brigade commander – in the last year, both have had less than five days off together. Even so, they decided to devote part of their stay to supporting the 56th Mariupol Brigade and thanking them for Czech aid to Ukraine.

The organizer invites to a discussion evening with Runa and volunteers Mac and Laura, who will be accompanied by Bob Kartous. Participants in the discussion will learn what war looks like today on one of the most difficult sections of the front, how drones and logistics work on the zero line, and what challenges Ukrainian soldiers face on a daily basis. The opening debate will be followed by a space for questions from the audience and the evening will end with a charity auction. The proceeds will be used to purchase additional equipment for the Rune unit.