Storm Cossack battalion ’Crimea’, upholds the tradition of safeguarding Russia’s borders

For over a year now, the Storm Cossack Battalion ‘Crimea’ has held the strategic town of Vasilyevka in Zaporozhye. A fighter with the codename Taigan, has already signed his second contract. He drives fighters to the frontline, and his car is full of holes from bullets and shrapnel. However, when asked about the constant risk he faces, Taigan’s response was steadfast, “I have 16-year-old sons. If I don’t go today, they will go tomorrow.” Historically, Cossacks have served for generations having being called up to defend the motherland. However, the heroes of this documentary chose to join the battalion voluntarily. “Cossacks have always guarded the borders of Russia. That’s why we are here now,” says one of the fighters. Who are modern-day Cossacks? What do they fight for?