Rapper Yarmak, who donned combat boots, discussed the mobilization at 18, victory in war, and the potential for peace.

Rapper Alexander Yarmak volunteered from the very first days of the full-scale invasion and continues to defend Ukrainian land from Russian occupiers. The serviceman participated in battles in the Kharkiv region and led a platoon of FPV drone operators. As of September 2024, Alexander Yarmak is the commander of the R&D division of the 412th regiment of the Unmanned Systems Forces and also serves as the commander of a company. During his service, the Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky awarded the rapper with the "Golden Cross" badge.

How the War Has Changed Over Three Years and What Awaits Ukraine in the Near Future

You previously mentioned that you decided to mobilize back in 2021 because you understood that there would be a war. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine. What did you feel that day?

It is my duty to defend my home. Perhaps if they hadn’t attacked Kyiv region, I would have supported our defense forces culturally for some time and later mobilized into the army. Since it was directly about defending my home, my native region — Kyiv region, the decision was obvious for me: I needed to protect my homeland.

How did your family react to your decision to mobilize?

I warned my wife that if there were a full-scale invasion, I would definitely be involved in the defense of the country. We talked about the possibility that as a musician, I might support the military at the front. But just before the invasion, as pontoon bridges were thrown from Belarus towards Chernobyl in the Kyiv region, it became clear that the Kyiv region would also be involved in combat operations. So, I was preparing for this in advance.

How has the war changed over these three years?

It has changed dramatically. Back then, we went into battle with sticks, and now we fight with super-technological tools, approaching the use of artificial intelligence and machine vision. This is a completely different level of technological warfare, involving people in these processes. The war now is entirely different from what began on February 24, 2022.

What do you think awaits Ukraine this year?

Big challenges. Today (February 13, — ed.) there were many statements from Donald Trump regarding Ukraine. We have many internal problems, there is no definitive unity among society and the political elites. This is concerning; it raises worries that Ukraine is not as united as it needs to be to defeat such a powerful enemy.

The main thing is that we should not wait for statements from world leaders but should rely on ourselves — on our capabilities, to do more than we can. Because victory is when you do something greater than you’ve ever done. This is what every Ukrainian must do. It doesn’t matter if they are currently in the army or working for the army. The important thing is that our nation is involved in the defense of the country.

We cannot abstract ourselves from this terrible war, the worst war since World War II, and just live, rejoice, and wait for some rainbow peace. It is childish not to understand that nothing happens by itself in life. We need involvement. If we unite, if the consciousness of the majority activates, and we as a nation endure, then Ukraine will be preserved. If we lack some life wisdom or maturity, it is very likely that this year we could lose the war and Ukraine in the near future. There are no encouraging messages; we must understand that all responsibility lies solely on us.

In 2023, you headed a drone unit. You managed FPV drones when they were only in special units. How has the role of drones changed from then to today?

Now FPV drones and tactical-level UAVs are used in almost every unit of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. So, it’s not just special units anymore; it includes territorial defense, infantry battalions. A sniper company works with FPV, brigade artillery reconnaissance operates with FPV.

Absolutely everyone has started using strike FPV drones, Mavic, for reconnaissance and drops. At the tactical level, this is the main means of deterring the enemy. Additionally, fiber optics is now emerging, which will be the tool that should save the front line. Special units are also beginning to work more systematically at greater depths — 30+, using various cutting-edge tools and technologies. They are doing this quite successfully.

I represent the 412th NEMESIS regiment; in the last few months, our regiment has hit more than 30 enemy air defense targets. These are the most expensive types of equipment like BUK and TOR. Therefore, we are already moving towards deeper systemic strikes, not to mention the overall capabilities of unmanned systems, which relate to almost all strikes deep into Russia by Deep Strike drones.

How do you think the role of drones might change in the future? Now all units use FPV, which were previously only in special units, while special units have advanced further. Will other units adopt the drones currently used by special units?

No, these are completely different zones of responsibility. War is not just about everyone rushing forward. War involves zones of responsibility, order in combat formations. Today, we have many different technologies at the tactical, operational-tactical, operational, and strategic levels. Now it needs to become a system, so that everyone clearly understands where and to what depth we use FPV drones, middle strike, and deep strike, who works with this, who is responsible for it, organizes the radio spectrum, creates flight corridors. We have small unmanned aviation, and now we need to create coordination and management centers for this unmanned aviation. Musical Creativity During the War

Last year, you met a fan among Russian prisoners. Was it difficult for you to decide to talk to him?

It was an emotional meeting. I was preparing to meet a more or less convinced "imperialist," who clearly understood what he was doing here. However, he, perhaps I justify him internally, very much resembled someone who ended up in Ukraine due to life circumstances. Indeed, when someone ends up in the Russian army, they have no choice where to go. They kill those who refuse to follow orders.

There’s no need to pity him. This is a classic story of an average Russian, where life presents a terrible situation — debts, problems, etc. — and to find even more adventures, ultimately dying somewhere like an animal without a trace. A classic story of self-disposal among Russians.

What did you feel during the conversation with him?

I felt that he was genuinely remorseful because there was a conversation even off-camera. There was a sense that he was speaking sincerely, without any fabricated legend or game involved. Plus, counterintelligence officers, who already have experience communicating with these scum, say that there truly exists a class of unfortunate souls, and he is one of them.

You previously built your career in Russia as well. Did you notice Russian chauvinism towards Ukrainians before 2014?

I felt it very acutely and vividly when I went to Maidan in November 2013. At that time, all those who called you friend or brother began to say that I was stupid, that I was being manipulated by the Americans, that it was all the West’s doing. That’s when I realized how insincere all our relationships had been until then.

They never perceived Ukraine as a subject. We were always seen as the little brother, and now we have also become enemies. Recent surveys in Russia show how they justify why they are going to kill Ukrainians — we are enemies, traitors to their coordinate system, their ideology. They believed that the empire should be united, that everyone should look up to Russia. Since Ukraine chose a different path, we are traitors that need to be destroyed, whom they need to show strength. And this is their sincere belief.

How do you manage to record tracks during your service?

I manage; I have little time for writing songs, and recording takes about four hours. This is not a problem. Every serviceman works in shifts. Some spend their rest time on personal matters, while I dedicate mine to creativity.

In the last six months, these breaks have become so scarce that I don’t know when my next song will come out. I have become the commander of a company, and I am responsible for over a hundred fighters. Each has their own problems, questions; everything needs to be provided for, taught, organized, and properly structured. There are also issues at the level of the Command of the Unmanned Systems Forces, where I previously performed certain duties. Plus, there is a media component, like now, I understand that I have to comment on certain things, speak about some issues, and highlight them to ensure positive changes in the army.

Therefore, I currently have no time for creativity at all. I have many tracks from last year, collaborative works with well-known Ukrainian artists. These are beautiful songs, but I haven’t had time for a year to come and work on my creativity. Time for creativity is becoming less and less because the critical situation for the country is increasing. So for now, the focus is on defending