Ukrainian mother with hunting rifle vows to defend Kyiv from Russian invasion

A mother of three in Ukraine has armed herself with a high-powered hunting rifle, to defend Kyiv against a possible Russian invasion. 

Mariana Zhaglo, the 52-year-old, spoke to The Times of London, saying, “As a mother I do not want my children to inherit Ukraine’s problems, or have these threats passed on to them. It is better that I deal with this now. 

The marketing researcher shelled out around $1,300, for a Zbroyar Z-15 carbine. She learned to use it after attending a two-week course in sniper training. Zhaglo, who’s attached a silencer, bipod, and telescopic sight to her gun, said “I have never hunted in my life. I bought this carbine after listening to some soldiers discussing the best rifle to get”. 

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Notably, she’s a member of the country’s Territorial Defense Forces and has also spent over $1,100 assembling her outfit. This includes a helmet, flak jacket, snow camouflage, ammo pouches, boots, as well as a British army surplus uniform. 

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The action-ready mother said, “I have got pickles and tins of fish, chicken and ham stashed beside the kitchen table, and lots and lots of ammunition. If it comes to it then we will fight for Kiev — we will fight to protect our city. I don’t see any sense in the Russians starting a war and leaving Kiev alone. If the fighting begins, they will come here. Kiev is a main target”.

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Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities have urged calm trying to deescalate the situation developing at their borders. Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that there is no indication of an immediate invasion. He added, “Don’t worry, sleep well. No need to have your bags packed”, constantly trying to convince the nation that the situation is well under control. 

Russia too has denied any plans of invading Ukraine and has accused the NATO members of creating hysteria against Moscow.