The war in Ukraine has turned ordinary citizens into soldiers, with many taking on new roles to defend their country.
From factory workers to teachers, these individuals have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability.
Natalia Khrabarciuk, once a kindergarten teacher, is one of these stories, according to Digi24.
She recently gained national attention after successfully intercepting a Russian cruise missile during an attack on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
Natalia used a Soviet-era 9K38 Igla portable air-defense system to shoot down a KH-101 missile. The incident was captured on video and shared widely.
Hundreds of Training Launches
In the footage, Natalia carefully aims and fires the system, locking onto her target.
Moments later, an explosion in the distance confirms the missile’s destruction. Cheers erupt as the camera pans back to Natalia, who sits down, visibly emotional after her successful strike.
The Ukrainian Air Force’s Western Command praised her actions.
They highlighted her role during a large-scale Russian attack that involved drones and cruise missiles targeting western Ukraine overnight and into the morning.
Thousands of personnel, including radar operators, air-defense specialists, and aviators, worked together to repel the assault. Natalia was among them, making her first-ever combat launch.
Natalia’s journey to becoming a soldier began in 2021. Before that, she was a preschool teacher in western Ukraine.
She joined the Ukrainian Air Force and underwent five months of intensive training to master the 9K38 Igla and other portable air-defense systems. The Igla weighs about 40 pounds, requiring strength and precision to operate.
Natalia described the moment as intense but controlled:
"When the enemy missile entered the zone, I set aside all emotions," she said. "I had done hundreds of training launches and simply followed my preparation."
