Thor, whose real name is something else and who was previously employed in the Armed Forces, traveled down to Ukraine shortly after the invasion in 2022. The majority of the time he has worked as an instructor and medic.
The last six months have been as a fighting soldier, mainly at Kupjansk where some of the fiercest battles are taking place.
- We called the defenses Verdun, it was extremely muddy.
We had water up to our knees in some cases and there were a lot of rats.
It was extremely stressful, says Thor.
The risk of drone attacks makes it dangerous to move outdoors during the day.
At night, sometimes expect Russian attacks.
- Usually it is a kind of test attack.
We have Russian units crawling in the night trying to get as far forward as possible before they are detected.
There they burrow under fire.
It's called "salami tactics", that they take it piece by piece.
"The Ukrainians don't get a break"
Towards the end of the year, missing Sweden and the family became too great to continue.
Thor decided not to return.
- There are risks down there, but I've always been okay with that.
It's mainly because I missed life back home.
It sounds selfish, the Ukrainians don't get a break, he says.
Thor tells us that he thinks daily that he actually has more to give.
- You feel a little guilty.
That I have the privilege of sitting in safe, beautiful Sweden at the same time as my former colleagues work at the front.
That's the tough part, an internal monologue that I can do more.
At the same time, I struggle with the idea that I should be satisfied and have to continue with my normal life.
What do you do to deal with the feelings?
- I spend time with loved ones, what you really miss and learn to respect and cherish.
That's where I find my peace.