(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Brittney Shki-Giizis, a former Canadian military tank instructor, has successfully transitioned to the front lines of Ukraine as an FPV drone pilot. Having previously served in Poland on Operation Unifier to train Ukrainian soldiers on Leopard 2 tanks, Shki-Giizis found her domestic duties in Canada lacked the purpose she felt was required during an active conflict. Consequently, she broke her contract with the Canadian military to offer her specialised skills directly to the Ukrainian cause.
As the sole foreigner in her battalion, she has achieved full immersion by learning the Ukrainian language. Initially, her gender and the language barrier posed challenges to her goal of serving as a tanker. However, she demonstrated her physical capability and linguistic proficiency, eventually signing a contract with the 25th Brigade. Shki-Giizis noted that the Ukrainian military culture differs significantly from the Canadian one, particularly regarding the treatment of women. While Canadian standards are uniform, she initially encountered a protective paternalism in Ukraine that she had to overcome by proving her physical resilience during basic training.
The evolution of the conflict led Shki-Giizis to move from armoured warfare to piloting first person view drones. She observed that the increasing prevalence of drone threats had rendered traditional tank operations less frequent. She now serves in a drone platoon, preferring the active engagement of FPV piloting over reconnaissance. She cautioned that while drone footage often highlights successful strikes, the failure rate remains high due to technical issues and signal interference. She also dismissed the notion that tanks are obsolete, suggesting that effective counter measures can restore their utility on the modern battlefield.
Reflecting on the geopolitical situation, Shki-Giizis expressed skepticism regarding potential ceasefires. She argued that any pause in fighting without robust security guarantees would merely allow the Russian dictator to regroup for a future offensive. Drawing parallels between her indigenous Canadian heritage and the current struggle, she described the Russian invasion as an attempt at colonisation. She remains committed to staying in Ukraine until the conclusion of the war, intending to continue her career as a soldier and eventually seeking dual citizenship.
The Canadian volunteer emphasised that both grassroots volunteer support and international government aid are vital for sustaining the defence. She warned that the Russian military continues to exert persistent pressure, slowly pushing back Ukrainian positions. According to Shki-Giizis, providing Ukraine with necessary resources is a more effective strategy than waiting for the Russian dictator to reach the doorsteps of other European nations.