In Colombia, I was a professional soldier in a mobile brigade, fighting against insurgents and helping in the fight against drug trafficking. When the war started here, I followed the news. And through social networks I learned that my friends were already in Ukraine. I met my sergeant Ortiz, and through him I came here. I bought tickets from Bogota to Madrid, from Madrid to Warsaw, and from Warsaw I got to the Ukrainian city of Ternopil.

Service in the Ukrainian army began with basic training, during which we gained new useful experience - we were taught to fight drones. This was not the case in Colombia. We were also taught to handle more modern weapons that we did not know before.

We came here to stop russia, an aggressor state that wants to seize these beautiful lands. Because if russia seizes Ukraine, it will not stop and will continue to attack other countries. This cannot be allowed. Ukraine must win the war, because it is a state that does not surrender. Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom, for their children, who must remain Ukrainians and live in a free country. I believe that russia should not win, because it is an aggressor state.

When I arrived in Ukraine, I immediately felt like a welcome guest. Ukrainians treat us with great respect. We are all like brothers. Our commanders are wonderful people. I have never had anyone treat me badly. Propaganda by russian lies. Here, all foreigners are welcomed well, salaries are paid on time, everything is honest and humane. Ukrainian civilians treat us with great warmth. They hug us and thank us, and try to support us in various ways.

Three tips of advice for those who want to come:

First, be psychologically prepared.

Second, train your body, because physical training is important here.

And third, be ready to see something you have never seen before. Because the war in Ukraine is on a different level.

Glory to Ukraine!