The Detail A Kiwi on Ukraine's frontline
Jan 28, 2026
Khol (Cole) Gillies, a New Zealander who fought in Ukraine and survived severe battlefield injuries and amputation. Jasmine Gillies, his partner who rushed to Europe to support him in recovery. They discuss frontline combat and evacuation, being trapped days in a bunker, the risky drone ground extraction, and plans for rehab and a possible return to duty.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Instant Chaos And Survival Instinct
- Khol (Cole) Gillies describes being under heavy attack, his ankle blown off, and instinctively trying to protect his comrades.
- He remembers looking down, thinking "shit, I want to live," and diving into a hole while adrenaline kept him moving.
Service Motivated By Family Legacy
- Cole says his primary motive for going to Ukraine was a sense of service inspired by his grandfather, Sir Robert Baumgillies.
- He felt compelled to act because doing nothing at home would have left him dissatisfied given his capacity and will.
Pinned Down In A Bunker For Days
- Cole waited four to five days pinned down in a bunker with his comrades tending his wounds while they awaited fog for evacuation.
- He was finally extracted on a slow ground drone, endured a four-hour cold ride and developed hypothermia en route to safety.