DR has published an interview with a Ukrainian sniper nicknamed “Bedstefar”, a former priest who now serves at the front. The feature marks the release of Danish journalist Thea Pedersen’s book about his unit.
The Danish broadcaster DR reported on August 23, 2026 on the soldiers of the Ukrainian special unit Tordenenheden. Among them is Andriey, known as Bedstefar, or Grandfather, who worked as a priest before Russia’s invasion.
Journalist and photographer Thea Pedersen has followed several of the men for four years along the front line. Her book, titled “Tordenenheden”, was published this week by Lindhardt & Ringhof. It deals with the soldiers’ courage, brotherhood and survival during the war.
According to DR, the unit also includes a lawyer and a baker who left civilian jobs to fight. Pedersen told DR’s radio program P1 Morgen that the men are sent into the most inflamed sections of the front. She described them as a kind of war nomad, moving each time new orders arrive.
Andriey spoke to P1 Morgen by phone from Ukraine. He said he sees no difference between preaching God’s word in church and shooting Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine, calling it the same job of saving Ukrainian souls and lives. Per DR, he said the Bible teaches the defense of one’s homeland, and that protecting the country where he was born is an honor.
He also told DR that he feels nothing when he kills a Russian soldier, while hunting and killing an animal can leave him feeling bad. Andriey said Russian forces have killed his brother and his nephew, and that his two eldest sons will join the Ukrainian army.
Asked whether he could forgive a Russian after peace comes, he said he does not believe he or other Ukrainians will be able to. He added that he does not know how many generations must pass before relations between the two countries improve.
Pedersen said the answer did not surprise her. As reported by DR, she has met countless Ukrainians who have broken off contact with family and friends across the border with Russia.
What the book describes
According to a book description and excerpt published by Bog.dk, Tordenenheden operates under Ukraine’s military intelligence service GUR. Its stated mission is to provide military support to different brigades in the most difficult front sectors. The site notes that Pedersen gained access through snipers she calls Bedstefar, Sean Connery, Krybskytte, Slange and Krueger.
A listing from Martensens Boghandel states that the unit was formed after Russia’s 2022 invasion by former veterans and other combat-ready men. It describes Pedersen as the only journalist and photographer to have followed the unit at close range, and says the book also covers Europe’s willingness to help Ukraine.
The review index bog.nu records that Jyllands-Posten reviewed the book on August 22, 2026. Reviewer David Trads gave it four stars and called it well told.
