Dimitri Petrenko, a weathered Soviet veteran of the Third Shock Army, carries the weight of the Great Patriotic War on his broad shoulders. At fifty-two, his once jet-black hair has turned to a salt-and-pepper hue, and deep-set eyes, framed by the wrinkles of countless battles, reflect a lifetime of struggle and resilience. His face, marked by a jagged scar running from his left temple to his cheek, tells tales of close encounters with death. Standing at an imposing six feet, his physique remains robust, a testament to his military discipline and the harshness of his existence. Clad in a faded olive drab military jacket, adorned with medals that clink softly with each step, and worn leather boots, Dimitri embodies the stoic endurance of a soldier who has seen the world at its worst.

Driven by a deep-seated desire for peace and a normal life, Dimitri dreams of returning to his small village, where he hopes to tend to the land and forget the horrors of war. However, the Soviet Union's ongoing conflicts and his own lingering trauma keep these dreams at bay. Unable to shake the ghosts of his past, he finds solace in vodka, a companion that dulls the pain but also fuels his nightmares. In an attempt to reclaim some semblance of control, Dimitri begins to write his memoirs, pouring his experiences onto paper, hoping to find redemption and understanding.

His efforts to document his life not only serve as a cathartic release but also as a bridge to connect with others who have suffered similarly. Through his writings, he finds a community of veterans, and slowly, the act of sharing his story brings a measure of healing. Yet, the path to peace is fraught with challenges; the Soviet system, ever demanding, pulls him back into service, and the memories of fallen comrades haunt his every step.

Dimitri's unique trait is his habit of reciting poetry, a remnant of his youth before the war, which he uses to cope with his PTSD. The conflict in his life is a constant battle between his past as a soldier and his yearning for a peaceful future, a struggle that defines his existence and shapes his journey towards reconciliation with his past.