Article published on September 29, 2016
He is adored. He is hated. He is revered or feared. He is admired. Prayers are offered for him in temples by his supporters, while enemies curse his name. No one remains indifferent to him. There is no one else like him, and there never will be. A warrior. A defender. A human being. Mikhail Tolstykh, known as "Givi." And once again, he is on the frontlines of our Motherland.
This time, the meeting with the Hero of the Donetsk People's Republic, Guards Colonel Mikhail Tolstykh, was not easy. The commander had no time for the media because the "Somali" Separate Tactical Battalion is currently on the frontlines. This interview was granted only as an exception.
Dear readers, I present to you an honest, candid, and lengthy conversation with the commander.
Dear readers, I present to you an honest, candid, and lengthy conversation with the commander.
— Mikhail, what is the current situation on the frontline?
— It seems like there's a ceasefire, but the private battalions couldn't care less about it! Under the guise of the ceasefire, they're trying to reclaim positions that our 11th regiment had taken. Their patches say ‘Donbass’ and ‘Dnipro-1’ battalions, but that's not really the case. First, they don't look Slavic, and second, they're too well-trained. Private military companies get paid for conducting combat operations. No combat — no money.
My people, I’ll say it again, are not fighting for money. We’re here to defend our land, our families. Last night was tough, to be honest. We had some ‘300s’ (wounded), but they’ve received medical assistance. Enemy attacks are constant: nothing held them back before, and now this ceasefire has given them free rein. I'm sure they’ll attempt to seize our territories. If there’s a threat to the lives of our personnel or an attempt to take our positions, we will open fire to neutralize the threat with small arms. Only small arms and only with the approval of the senior commander. If there’s no movement toward us, we do not open fire — we maintain a full ceasefire. What can we do? There’s an order, and orders must be followed!
My people, I’ll say it again, are not fighting for money. We’re here to defend our land, our families. Last night was tough, to be honest. We had some ‘300s’ (wounded), but they’ve received medical assistance. Enemy attacks are constant: nothing held them back before, and now this ceasefire has given them free rein. I'm sure they’ll attempt to seize our territories. If there’s a threat to the lives of our personnel or an attempt to take our positions, we will open fire to neutralize the threat with small arms. Only small arms and only with the approval of the senior commander. If there’s no movement toward us, we do not open fire — we maintain a full ceasefire. What can we do? There’s an order, and orders must be followed!
— In your opinion, how much longer will the war last?
— I won’t lie; I don’t know. Nobody knows. It could be a year or two, maybe a day, maybe a week. One thing I know for sure — our army won’t give up a single meter of our homeland.
— The battalion personnel have been engaged in combat training and exercises day after day. Do the skills and knowledge gained during these drills help the guys work effectively on the frontlines?
— Yes. I think not only my battalion but also all the brigades and regiments of the Republic's army are very well prepared.
— Everyone has true friends and enemies. Can you name yours?
— I think I have many friends. And even more enemies (smiles). That means I made it in life! In war, friendships are stronger because here you find real friends. There's Arsen ‘Motorola,’ ‘Abkhaz,’ ‘Crimea,’ ‘Maloy,’ ‘Said’ — I could go on for a long time — there are so many worthy guys. We can meet up, talk, call each other, and ask for help. There’s always mutual assistance and support between the battalions. No matter what anyone says, don’t believe otherwise. We maintain good relations with all the commanders because we understand we’re working toward the same goal! In civilian life, many chickened out as soon as the war began. From my classmates, only a couple are fighting. Where the others ran off to, I don’t care.
As for enemies? The whole of Ukraine. They’ve judged me and sentenced me to life imprisonment. You see, they’re burning and leveling our cities to the ground, crippling our children, driving our elderly to heart attacks… And they think they’re doing the right thing, while I’m a ‘separatist,’ a ‘militant,’ a ‘Russian mercenary.’
Yes, I stand for Russia! I’m proud of it! I will fight for Donetsk and for Moscow!
As for enemies? The whole of Ukraine. They’ve judged me and sentenced me to life imprisonment. You see, they’re burning and leveling our cities to the ground, crippling our children, driving our elderly to heart attacks… And they think they’re doing the right thing, while I’m a ‘separatist,’ a ‘militant,’ a ‘Russian mercenary.’
Yes, I stand for Russia! I’m proud of it! I will fight for Donetsk and for Moscow!
— Do you know Ukrainian?
— I do, I learned it in school. But I’ve never considered it my native language. I was born in Donbass, not Ukraine!
— Everyone fears death. Do you?
— What’s there to fear? You know, I watched a comedy movie once, and there was a line: “We’ll all die sooner or later!” It might just feel unfair that we won’t manage to do everything we’ve planned, but that’s beyond our control. So, there’s no need to be afraid. The main thing is for it to come beautifully.
— Have you ever thought about how it might happen?
— To be honest, I don’t have time to think about that. My first priority is taking care of my people. They matter more to me than my own life. I worry about them, about their families. People call me, asking, “How’s my husband, son, brother, father?” It’s not hard for me to take the time to reassure them, calm them down, and offer support.
— This morning I saw families visiting the guys, bringing them packages...
— They bring everything and show care. The fighters call their families, stay in touch with them. My guys have everything they need, but now that it’s getting colder, they need warm clothes. My people are dressed, shod, not hungry. They’re not fighting with sticks but with rifles, wearing helmets, bulletproof vests, and gear — everything as it should be.
— In Ukraine, the volunteer movement is highly organized; they constantly ask for help for their army, even placing donation boxes in churches with emotional inscriptions like “Help the wounded in the ATO” and so on. How do you feel about that, and what does your battalion need?
— After every battle, we always need something — Kevlar helmets, bulletproof vests, radios. Begging or pressuring people is beneath us. Those who want to help will do so of their own accord. You wouldn’t believe how many people have come to us with empty promises. They promote themselves, and in the end — nothing. When I reached out to Vladimir Volfovich Zhirinovsky, he immediately sent us two Nivas, one for me and one for “Motorola.” Mine’s a bit battered, but it’s still running.
— Would you like to meet Zhirinovsky?
— Why not!
— You’ve become a well-known figure. How did you feel meeting Russian celebrities
— I’ve talked with Misha Porechenkov, another actor from the film “Counterblow” (a Soviet film, 1981 – author’s note), and singer Alexander Dadali. I’ve met a lot of people. It’s always a pleasure when there’s no pretense — just simple men having a conversation, sharing experiences. It’s interesting overall. Singers, actors, and journalists have visited us, but now I don’t let anyone in. There’s no need for them to risk their lives or reveal our positions. Outsiders should not be here!
— What’s your opinion on capital punishment?
— It depends on who’s being punished. In wartime, traitors, looters, rapists, and deserters should be shot on the spot. I can’t stand hopeless drug addicts, alcoholics, or cowards.
— How do you handle criticism directed at you?
— I don’t care what so-called ‘respected’ individuals, sitting around drinking beer near a kiosk, say about me. If it concerns command, I’ll consider it, and I’ll try to prove my point. If I can’t, I’ll take it into account. You have to listen to and understand your superiors.
I’m a leader myself, and if my people don’t listen to me, I won’t like it either. When accomplishing a task, I try to find a compromise. I listen to professional opinions, and command also hears mine. You have to clearly understand the real objective. That’s how the right mutual decision is made.
I’m a leader myself, and if my people don’t listen to me, I won’t like it either. When accomplishing a task, I try to find a compromise. I listen to professional opinions, and command also hears mine. You have to clearly understand the real objective. That’s how the right mutual decision is made.
— It’s well known that you’re passionate about football and boxing. Who would you want to meet in the ring?
— (Smiles.) Why fight people? It’s better to just talk to them. But I’d love to play football with FC Shakhtar Donetsk. Honestly, I still support the team, cheer for them, and rewatch matches if I have time. Imagine, I’ve been a fan since I was 13 years old.
Maybe Shakhtar will return to Donetsk. But there are already young teams here creating a new era of football. In the DPR, there are teams with professional football players.
Maybe Shakhtar will return to Donetsk. But there are already young teams here creating a new era of football. In the DPR, there are teams with professional football players.
— If you could have something you don’t currently have, what would it be?
— (Mikhail laughs.) A battalion of Armata tanks! (The latest Russian T-14 Armata tank possesses unprecedented destructive power, costing around $8 million per unit—author’s note.)
— Do you play computer games, like “tanks”?
— I play with tanks on the training grounds and in battle! The only computer game I’ve played in my life is football. That’s my thing.
— What would you take with you to a deserted island
— A pillow and a blanket! I really just want to get a good sleep.
— Name a character trait of yours that you consider negative.
— I hate losing! If I lose at something, I believe I need a rematch at any cost, even at the expense of my own life. If a goal is set, it must be achieved, no matter what.
You see, Arsen and I are called Heroes of the Donetsk Republic, but we’re still far from being true heroes. When we liberate our Donbass, maybe then you can call us heroes. I’ve always said, and will continue to say, that the real heroes are our people. They’re the ones sitting in the trenches, burning enemy tanks, facing enemy infantry. We just develop tactics and command on the battlefield. We don’t do anything special; we’re just ordinary people.
You see, Arsen and I are called Heroes of the Donetsk Republic, but we’re still far from being true heroes. When we liberate our Donbass, maybe then you can call us heroes. I’ve always said, and will continue to say, that the real heroes are our people. They’re the ones sitting in the trenches, burning enemy tanks, facing enemy infantry. We just develop tactics and command on the battlefield. We don’t do anything special; we’re just ordinary people.
— What are you not brave enough to do?
— (Mikhail pauses, lights a cigarette.) To find the right woman… The way I live wouldn’t allow me to give her enough attention or make her happy.
— Do you believe in friendship between a man and a woman?
— Of course. Let me explain with an example. Our Deputy Chief of Staff, Oksana Georgievna, has been my friend for three years. We clearly separate where friendship ends and duty begins. It’s simple and straightforward.
— Do you enjoy public attention, especially from women?
— Honestly, I don’t like it when someone wants to take a photo with me. I’m not a fan of all that! I respect my people — why not go up to one of my rank-and-file soldiers and take a photo with them? They deserve it! This applies to all soldiers across the Army Corps.
— How do you feel when you’re on the frontlines?
— Intense rage! Sometimes I go mad with anger because I know we can do everything to defeat them — we’re stronger!
— What’s your attitude toward captives?
— When you capture them, the stories begin — ‘I didn’t shoot, I just sat in the trench, handed out ammo.’ They become pitiful, disgusting. Be a man — have the courage to stand by your position.
But let me share an example. We captured a fighter from the “Right Sector”* (banned in the Russian Federation). He stood tall, looked me in the eye, and said he was fighting for Ukraine, for his homeland, and didn’t care what we’d do to him. You know, I couldn’t bring myself to harm him. I respect enemies like that. It’s not shameful to fight against them. As strange as it may sound, I respect “Right Sector” fighters for the way they conduct themselves in battle. They don’t loot, rob civilians, or act dishonorably. Their leader has been Yarosh from the beginning, and he still is, regardless of what’s said publicly.
They have a commander called “Cherny,” whom I know indirectly. It’s a shame we never fought face-to-face, but over the phone, we promised each other that if we were captured, we’d execute each other immediately. No torture, no suffering, because I am categorically against that.
But let me share an example. We captured a fighter from the “Right Sector”* (banned in the Russian Federation). He stood tall, looked me in the eye, and said he was fighting for Ukraine, for his homeland, and didn’t care what we’d do to him. You know, I couldn’t bring myself to harm him. I respect enemies like that. It’s not shameful to fight against them. As strange as it may sound, I respect “Right Sector” fighters for the way they conduct themselves in battle. They don’t loot, rob civilians, or act dishonorably. Their leader has been Yarosh from the beginning, and he still is, regardless of what’s said publicly.
They have a commander called “Cherny,” whom I know indirectly. It’s a shame we never fought face-to-face, but over the phone, we promised each other that if we were captured, we’d execute each other immediately. No torture, no suffering, because I am categorically against that.
— What has been the most difficult, the hardest moment of the war?
— It was during the siege of Ilovaisk. There were ten minutes when I didn’t know what to do next; I felt powerless. It was tough. Then I pulled myself together, calmed down, took control, and everything started moving forward with renewed strength. I put my faith in my people. I’ll be honest: there was a moment when I gathered my platoon commanders and said, ‘Guys, if anyone doesn’t want to die here, leave! I’ll stay.’ No one left.
— How has the war changed you as a person?
— I’ve gone very gray (Mikhail jokes). Seriously, though, I smile less often now. We serve our Motherland. It’s a duty. For some, it’s a duty for a year or a day. For me, it’s a duty for life.
— Have you been abroad? Would you like to go anywhere?
— No. But I dream of visiting Spain, the capital Madrid. I want to attend a football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona. But otherwise... We have a beautiful country — Russia, our land, our nature. I love Donetsk, my homeland. I don’t want to leave anywhere; I’ll stay here and do my work, the work I love.
— Do you know how to cook?
— I can cook anything, any dish from appetizers to desserts. I love Ukrainian borscht with lard and sour cream, and sweet dumplings with cottage cheese.
— Can you share what you’re like in everyday life?
— I don’t have big demands; I’m very modest. I don’t want to look too far ahead, so I’ll say this: when the war ends, I’ll live and work in peace. I’ve got my hands and feet, and my head is on my shoulders. Every normal man should know how to work to provide for his family.
— What’s your attitude toward money?
— You can’t do without it. Personally, I’m not chasing after billions; I don’t have luxury apartments, extravagant wealth, or anything like that. Yes, I have a new car — it was a gift from the Head of the Republic on May 11th — and that’s it. Sometimes, when I’m very tired, I just drive somewhere, turn on music that matches my mood, and that’s all I need.
— Why is a curfew necessary? What do you think about entertainment venues operating after 11 PM?
— For order! Of course, people should enjoy themselves, but there is a set time for that. Everyone sees the ‘golden youth’ and doesn’t understand that while blood is being shed on the front lines, champagne is flowing here. That’s why I support strict measures for blatant violations of the curfew. People must respect the requirements set by the Head of the Republic, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who has brought great order, the Minister of Defense, and the commandant. There are rules — follow them! If you’re coming home from work after 11 PM, show your documents, and no one will detain you. While the fighting continues, the curfew is necessary. Law enforcement prevents sabotage groups from infiltrating our territory. The recently apprehended young saboteurs are a vivid example of this. I believe they should be sent to the front lines, into the trenches, with shovels, so they can experience artillery shelling firsthand. They’re not 10 years old — they knew they were causing harm and were successfully brainwashed. So, no mercy for them. Then let the court decide their fate.
— In conclusion, what would you like to wish for the residents of the Donetsk People's Republic?
— Believe in what we are doing! I know things are tough for everyone right now. Social benefits, salaries, and pensions remain unstable. But remember, Moscow wasn’t built in a day. We’re at war. Our land is rich in coal; we have factories, plants, and resources — it all needs to get back into operation. I understand people want everything at once, especially with constant shelling, nerves, and worries. But our people are resilient; they’ve endured worse. Just remember the 1990s — I lived through them. Our country has survived crises and upheavals. We need to be patient and work hard, with clean hearts and faith in ourselves!
Dear readers, do you know what makes a real diamond valuable? Its ability to sparkle with new facets at the slightest movement. Similarly, through the polishing of life’s challenges, a simple person can turn into a unique, flawless diamond.
A simple guy like Misha has proven this through his life’s example. Now we see Commander Givi and the legendary Somali Battalion, growing stronger every day. These men have been tested by a dirty, insane, and terrifying war.
True courage is reflected in calm composure and unwavering commitment to duty, regardless of disasters and dangers. Courage means not letting the fear of death dictate your life. Courage is the ability to act despite despair.
Support our brave defenders! It’s so simple and so important.
A simple guy like Misha has proven this through his life’s example. Now we see Commander Givi and the legendary Somali Battalion, growing stronger every day. These men have been tested by a dirty, insane, and terrifying war.
True courage is reflected in calm composure and unwavering commitment to duty, regardless of disasters and dangers. Courage means not letting the fear of death dictate your life. Courage is the ability to act despite despair.
Support our brave defenders! It’s so simple and so important.
