Before the start of the full-scale invasion, our Guardian of Light, Roman Paska, with the call sign Atom, lived a normal, peaceful life. Since 2019, he worked as an electrician at I&C Department, the Khmelnytskyi NPP, played sports, was fond of fishing and picking mushrooms.

On February 24, 2022, the nuclear employee was on the night shift. He admits that when he became aware of the large-scale offensive of the ruscists, he immediately thought about the safety of his family, the protection of his native Netishyn, where he had been born and raised, as well as the fate of native country.

“In the first days of the great war, I decided to join the Defense Forces of Ukraine,” the defender shares. “Nevertheless, it was not successful, and I mobilized into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine only in February 2023. My relatives took that news painfully, but they understood and supported me.”

Currently, the nuclear employee serves in the 156th separate mechanized brigade. He has gone from reserve force soldier to radar station head. Atom is responsible for the correct choice of position, reliable camouflage, and coordinated work of the crew, which works 24/7.

“The radar station is an important element of air defense,” explains the Guardian of Lights. “Owing to it, you can detect and help destroy enemy air targets. In this work, both knowledge and experience gained in battle are important. But I can say with confidence that now my crew is working in a coordinated manner and demonstrates high efficiency.”

When the defender of Ukraine has a free minute between combat missions, he certainly uses it for his own benefit. Roman Paska chooses activities allowing him to recharge at least a little: he plays football, swims or simply gets behind the wheel of a car. These activities bring back the feeling of his usual pre-war life and facilitate his living in new realities. In addition, his family, brothers-in-arms and the Khmelnytskyi NPP team support and assist strength for his staying on the front line.

“Family is the most powerful motivator,” Atom explains. “When you know that you are waited at home, the strength appears to destroy the enemy, confidently move towards the goal and return to your family as soon as possible. The support of brothers-in-arms is also very valuable on the front line. It is wonderful when there is mutual understanding between the defenders, when each of us understands that there is a reliable shoulder, support and assistance nearby.

Special gratitude to the Khmelnytskyi NPP team. Their assistance is very valuable at the front.”

Roman Paska confirms that even in military service, you can find soul mates. He invites Ukrainians who have not yet had time to be in the ranks of the defenders to join the large family of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Atom notes:

“The Armed Forces of Ukraine is also a family. Brothers-in-arms will always support and help. The 156th separate mechanized brigade can become your new family. They always stand behind you like a mountain here. Together we will definitely win!”

Those who are not ready to fight with weapons in their hands now, our Guardian calls on to act in the rear: to help the defenders, support the defense forces and believe in Victory. The defender reminds of a truth that every Ukrainian knows: “Without a front, there is no rear, and without a rear, there is no front”!

Therefore, the enemy can only be defeated by joint efforts. Together we will certainly overcome challenges on this path.

Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!