Opera Star Turns Soldier: Igor Mikhnyevich's Journey from Stage to Battlefield

In a dramatic turn of events, Igor Mikhnyevich, a soloist from the Lviv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, has swapped his microphone for a rifle. Since March 2022, Mikhnyevich has been on the frontline, defending Ukraine.

From Stage to Battlefield

Mikhnyevich, renowned for his performances in "Zaporizhian Beyond the Danube", "Don Pasquale", and "Carmen", received his draft notice in March 2022. He was prepared for the full-scale invasion by Russia and the call to serve his country.

"We, artists, have a sort of intuition. The anti-terrorist operation couldn't last forever. I knew Russia wouldn't stop there, " Mikhnyevich shared.

Initially, the military struggled to place him, but eventually, he joined an infantry rifle battalion as a rifleman-medic.

The Reality of War

Mikhnyevich vividly recalls his first combat experience. "The enemy was just 25 meters away. It was a gunfight. Thankfully, everyone survived that day. But, a few days later, we faced our first casualties, " he recounted.

"Carrying a wounded person is tough. A deceased one is even harder. When the wounded talk, complain, curse at you, it means they're conscious, and you can assess their condition. But you know you're saving their life, " Mikhnyevich added.

Adapting to New Roles

From extracting comrades from burning vehicles to carrying them over kilometers for medical aid, Mikhnyevich has embraced his new role with the same dedication he showed on stage. Despite the hardships, he remains committed.

Mikhnyevich now visits the theater only during his leave, a stark contrast to his former life. His story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of individuals in the face of war.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk