**Ukrainian Soldier Hits Russian Missile on First Try**
A former preschool teacher from Ukraine has made headlines for her bravery in the country’s fight against Russia. Natalia Hrabarchuk, now a Ukrainian soldier, destroyed a Russian cruise missile with her first combat shot.
On November 17, Russia launched a massive air assault on Ukraine, firing over 210 aerial targets at the country’s energy infrastructure. This included hypersonic missiles and other advanced weapons. But Ukrainian air defense forces were able to intercept 144 of these targets, thanks in part to Hrabarchuk’s successful hit.
**A Former Teacher Makes Her Mark**
Hrabarchuk had recently completed a five-month military training program before joining the Galicia-Volyn Radio Technical Brigade under the Western Air Command. She had already practiced hundreds of times on simulators and was ready for her first real-world mission. When the Russian missile appeared, she remained calm and fired a direct hit with her Igla MANPADS.
“I put aside all emotions and anxiety,” Hrabarchuk said about her experience. “I just focused on my training.” Her success highlights the importance of both advanced systems and portable units in Ukraine’s air defense efforts.
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