A Ukrainian sniper known only by her codename “Chili” has become a symbol of resistance in the country’s war against Russia, using her expertise with an armor-piercing rifle to neutralize threats on the frontlines.
Chili, a trained sniper, serves alongside an all-male unit in Ukraine’s armed forces. Her weapon of choice is the Barrett .50 caliber semi-automatic sniper rifle, capable of penetrating body armor and disabling lightly armored vehicles.
Chili trained extensively in Ukraine and Norway before taking on her first combat mission. She described the intensity of her role, saying, “The sniper’s task is to disarm the enemy. It doesn’t matter whether you kill or maim. The main thing is that he is no longer a threat.”
Her first mission was fraught with danger as enemy fire came within 15 meters of her position. Despite the risks, Chili pressed on, realizing her suitability for the role. “When I got to the position, my comrade said, ‘No way—you have balls of steel.’ That was the moment I realized I was made for this job,” she said.
Chili’s decision to fight has come at a personal cost, particularly within her family. Her two brothers fled Ukraine at the start of the conflict, a choice that has strained their relationship. She also has a 10-year-old son who understands her commitment but longs for her return.
“My son draws pictures of me with a rifle and writes, ‘Mum, I love you.’ It’s nice, but it hurts so much,” she said. “I’m here so he won’t have to fight in the trenches someday. We must end this war now, not years later.”
Chili has embraced the risks of her role, knowing snipers are often prioritized targets. “I’ve prepared myself for this. I know I can die,” she admitted.
Her journey echoes that of historical Ukrainian snipers like Lyudmila Pavlichenko, who famously killed 309 Nazis during World War II.
As the conflict continues, Chili remains focused on her mission but admits to uncertainty about life after the war. “I will be looking for myself for a long time because, apart from the army, I no longer know what to do,” she said.
Source: the-sun.com
