In September 2025, the fourth English-language volume of the documentary series Living the War — Civilians in the Army — was published, dedicated to civilians who joined the army.

In this issue, the authors share the stories of defenders — men and women — who were civilians before the war: writers, entrepreneurs, teachers, journalists, farmers, doctors, musicians, or cultural figures. Their stories remind us of the hundreds of thousands of civilians now serving on the frontlines and dispel the common Western myth that only a professional army is fighting this war.

Among the 12 featured heroes is the story of Olena Apchel, a cultural figure and renowned theater director from Donetsk region. After working on artistic and social projects and volunteering in Poland and Germany, she voluntarily joined the Defense Forces of Ukraine in May 2024. She completed training in tactical medicine and drone operations and is currently serving in the intelligence unit of a separate artillery brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine. Ukrainska Pravda publishes an excerpt from the interview included in the book.

You can learn more about the edition and order the book Living the War. Civilians in the Army.

Olena Apchel, PhD, director, human rights defender, junior lieutenant of the National Guard of Ukraine

Living the War is an independent documentary project founded in Kyiv after the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. The fourth volume was created and printed in Ukraine with the support of the international foundation Nova Ukraine, KSE Foundation, and Protect Ukraine.