I serve as a combat medic. My rank is a junior sergeant. I worked in Ukraine as a civilian, but then I found out how the Russians hit the hospital in Kyiv. It was more like a nightmare. And then I decided: I am a medic and a former soldier, so my place here is among the military, not among civilians.

Before that, I served as a gendarme in Turkey, which is like the National Guard in Ukraine. I completed my service in Turkey in 2022, and in 2024 I came to Ukraine. First, I was sent to the training battalion of the International Legion. There is a really high-quality program there: tactical medicine, assault and defense of trenches, engineering and sapper training - everything you could need. It lasts a month or two, and then the training continues in your unit. Military training in Ukraine is really good. But, if you have no previous experience. After all, training is close to combat conditions - and this is stress, screaming. It helped me that I already had experience.

My decision to be here is due not only to today's events, but also to historical reasons. I am a Turk. And in the past, the Ottoman Empire fought the Russians 12 times. But whatever it was in the past, today the Russians behave like imperialists and terrorists. They attack cities, kill civilians, even children, attack hospitals and schools. The Russians will not win this war, because they have no heart. And the Ukrainians have a soul, they defend their freedom. We are fighting for humanity, we do not attack civilians, hospitals or schools. Therefore, I believe that now I am on the right side.

This war is not a game. I have seen Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan - nothing compares to this war. FPV drones, artillery, mortars are widely used here. This is an armed confrontation between two states with full use of forces. Therefore, for those who want to join, my three pieces of advice: train, train and train again. Pay special attention to tactical medicine.

The Ukrainian army is well equipped with everything you need: helmets, NATO-standard body armor, uniforms, even thermal clothing. The Ukrainian army is not a NATO army, but in some ways it is even better. Here everyone helps each other. I have many friends - both Ukrainians and foreigners. I really like communicating with Ukrainian soldiers who know what they are fighting for.

Ukrainians are somewhat similar to Turks. Here and there they honor traditions, inherent hospitality, popular homemade pickles. They made good coffee in Ukraine, and I also fell in love with Ukrainian borscht. And what struck me most here was patriotism, which you will not see in Europe. Ukrainians have a great love for their flag, culture, and country.

Glory to Ukraine!