BIO

Dzvenislav Sira, nicknamed “Dzvinka,” heads the department for work with the wounded in the “Azov Angels” – an umbrella service of the “Azov” National Guard brigade and the 3rd Assault Brigade. Reporting to her are 10 female medical coordinators.

The coordinators perform administrative work related to soldiers’ wounds: they prepare documentation, search for doctors and rehabilitation specialists, provide psychological support to soldiers and provide assistance to their families. One coordinator takes care of 90 to 150 soldiers at a time.

Patronage services are rare in the Defense Forces. In the “Azov” brigade and the 3rd Assault Brigade such a service operates. Dzvinka started working there as a medical coordinator. One of the principles of leadership for her is to set a personal example. At a charity evening of friends of the Azov Angels, Dzvinka auctioned off a 100-year-old embroidered family shirt, for which two businessmen paid a total of $75,000. “The shirt features oak leaves – a symbol of strength,” she said. – I recognize that this strength should go to the ‘Angels’ and not remain in the closet.”

War is a personal matter for Dzwinka. Her husband fights in the 3rd Assault Brigade, and her brother has served in the “Azov” brigade since 2020, having gone through “Azovstal” and captivity.