I am a retired US Army officer. After 22 years of service, I stayed to work in Germany at Ramstein Air Base. I have been following the russian aggression against Ukraine since 2014. And when the full-scale invasion began, I did not hesitate to apply and came to Ukraine. Because when I saw what russia was doing, I realized: I cannot stand aside.

First, I came to Rivne, where there were already international instructors. We trained the fighters, and also collected equipment, uniforms and shoes, because at first there was not enough of this. A year later, in 2023, I joined a newly created international unit, which was based on volunteers from Belarus. They were the best soldiers I have ever met. We took part in several combat operations. Now I am looking for a unit to join.

I am a soldier of the Cold War (1946-1989). I served in Berlin when we were surrounded by Soviet troops. And today I am again defending these same values - freedom and the right of the people to be free. This war is not just for the freedom and independence of Ukraine. This is a struggle between good and evil, it is a question of values. And I am on the right side.

We see how in russia they are glorifying the crooked Stalin again, erecting monuments to him, returning to Soviet symbols. But we have not forgotten the Holodomor and his other crimes. In the 1990s, I thought that russians had changed. I was wrong - they had not changed. putin is only part of the problem. Even if he disappears - the system will remain. russia will not change until its army knows defeat. We cannot hope for their enlightenment. Their society is built on lies, their children are brainwashed from childhood, so there is no independent critical thinking there.

There are people who simply say: “Peace, peace, we want peace.” But they do not understand what is happening now. Life in an occupied territory, where people are tortured, raped, and children are kidnapped and taken to russia, is not peace.

If Ukrainians do not fight now, their children will fight. There is no alternative. No neighboring country will know a stable world if the russian army does not know defeat in Ukraine. This is understood in Poland, this is understood in the Baltic states. For Europe, the only way to avoid war is to be prepared for it. I am a historian by academic education and I know: if you want peace, you need to prepare for war.

In Europe, you can hear that people are tired of war. This may seem strange to you, because there is no war in their countries. But they are simply fed up with it. They dream of establishing such a peaceful and comfortable past. But it is impossible to stick to the past. All Europeans need to understand what a threat russia will become to them.

For those who are ready to fight for Ukraine, I advise you to learn a little more about this country and its history. Now there is the Internet, so it is not difficult to do it even sitting in the bathroom. Also, of course, prepare yourself. War is not a computer game. There is no reset button here. Make sure that you are physically prepared. And, if you can, try to learn at least a little Ukrainian. People appreciate it if you do.

There are wonderful friendly people in Ukraine. Once I lost my wallet, then a Ukrainian policeman found it, installed my phone number through my gym membership and returned it to me. Ukrainians, young people, have never returned to the Soviet Union. It is simply impossible. And therefore, when they ask me why I am in Ukraine, it is primarily the people. I love Ukraine and I want to be here.