Nika Bichakhia soldier, call sign GRUZIN (meaning “Georgian”)

I am Nika Bichakhia, call sign GRUZIN (meaning “Georgian”). I serve in the 24th separate mechanised brigade named in honour of King Danylo Halytskyi, in the 1st night assault battalion. I volunteered. I was doing my military service from 2014 to 2019. 

I believe that the military profession is a profession to be proud of. I have always been impressed by people in uniform and liked this kind of work. And by nature, this profession suits me perfectly. That is why I chose to serve. I graduated from a military school and hold the rank of senior sergeant. Now I am very glad that I acquired a military education, it has proved to be very useful in today's conditions.

Before the full-scale invasion, I was in the Netherlands, but as soon as I found out that I had to defend the borders of my second homeland, I returned to Ukraine without hesitation. Because I had a family here - a sister and brother with small children. I had to protect them. Moreover, I have military experience and know what needs to be done.

As a result of one of the battles, I was seriously wounded and ended up in a hospital. I was glad to see another Georgian and also a Mingrelian, Lado Gamsakhurdia, who was also wounded. We soon became friends. We often talked about Georgia, its history, present and future... 

At the time, Lado was the head of the organisation called Round Table, Free Caucasus. As he explained to me, this organisation has been operating in Georgia since 2020. Their goal is to detach the Caucasian peoples from Russia. I really liked this. When I heard that Lado was creating a military wing of this organisation, I was delighted and became a member of the Caucasus Legion. 

During my service, I was personally awarded the Bravery Medal of the first, second and third degree by the Chief Commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

While defending Ukraine, I was repeatedly wounded and injured, which led to aseptic necrosis of the heads of my right and left femurs. This problem prevents me from moving normally, as it causes severe pain. There is only one solution - total hip replacement of both hip joints.

I plan to undergo surgery as soon as possible and return to the army.

My biggest dream is Ukraine's victory and peace in the country!
 

COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED: UAH 190,000