Colombian soldier "Crazy Horse" joined the Ukrainian army in 2023, having served in the Colombian army for 9 years.
He talks about the peculiarities of the war, notes positive changes and calls for volunteers: "This war is not easy, but together we are like 300 Spartans."
Crazy Horse
The Story of the Brazilian Volunteer with the Callsign "JC"
The Brazilian soldier known as "JC" joined Ukraine’s Defense Forces in February 2023. He shares his experience of adaptation, communication, and training.
With combat experience from the Kosovo war, he emphasizes: only on the battlefield do you truly understand the nature of war.
"The most important thing is to be prepared. Together, we are strong."
JC
I am Luis Ortiz, from Colombia. When the war started, I decided to join the Ukrainian army, having military experience. The training is at a high level, and the army is very professional. Anyone who wants to help can join and get a contract and opportunities for development.
Luis Ortiz
I am Toretto, a Colombian who came to Ukraine thanks to a friend. I have experience serving in the Colombian army, and now I am a soldier in the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Here I was accepted as a native, and I feel like a part of this nation.
Toretto
A Story of Courage and Advice for Future Volunteers – Foreign Volunteer Thomas ("Krakov") Speaks
"If someone wants to join the Ukrainian forces – know that you will be trained from scratch to full combat readiness," says Polish volunteer Thomas (callsign "Krakov"). We present to you an exclusive interview with a volunteer defending Ukraine.
He left a comfortable life in the United Kingdom to become part of Ukraine’s defense. In this video, Thomas shares how, just days after the war began, he decided to leave his career as a manager at one of London’s most expensive restaurants to become a volunteer fighting for Ukraine’s freedom.
His strongest impression after crossing the border was the warm welcome and kindness of the local people who helped him in the beginning. Thomas describes his training at the military range and how he soon found himself defending Kyiv—first as part of the Georgian Legion, then in the "Carpathian Sich" battalion.
Unexpectedly, Thomas became a combat medic and a trainer for new recruits. He gives a detailed account of the challenges of warfare: living in basements, intense training, and the importance of teamwork, discipline, and communication.
Thomas addresses those who wish to join the Ukrainian forces: "Remember—discipline, teamwork, and communication are everything. You will be provided with everything necessary for battle."
He urges volunteers not to stay silent when something is lacking but to openly ask commanders for help and always tell the truth—because lives depend on it, both their own and their comrades'.
Watch the video to hear Thomas’s inspiring story and learn why the Ukrainian army is one of the strongest in Europe today. If you feel the call to fight for freedom, join the ranks of Ukraine’s defenders and become part of this shared cause!
Krakov
Former soldier Knight shares how meeting Ukrainian warriors during training inspired him to join the Defense Forces of Ukraine. He is now actively learning the Ukrainian language, symbolizing his desire to fully integrate into the common cause.
If you are interested in the stories of foreign legionnaires and want to learn more about their personal experiences, this video is for you!
Knight
My name is Dark. I am a tactical training instructor in Ukraine’s Defense Forces. I’m a former soldier who previously worked in coastal security and operated in high-risk zones.
In 2022, I came to Ukraine to help in the fight for freedom. From humanitarian aid to frontline combat, I have worked alongside Ukrainian and foreign fighters. I was seriously wounded in battle, but after recovery, I returned—to train volunteers ready to defend Ukraine.
Dark
Story of a Foreign Volunteer: "I Believed This War Was Mine Too"
Yuri, callsign “Mega,” is from the province of Bergamo, Italy. In 2023, he came to Ukraine to join the International Legion of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. After completing a short training course, Yuri became a machine gunner in combat units operating on the Bakhmut front, particularly in the villages of Andriivka and Klishchiivka.
“We were stormtroopers — our mission was to push the enemy out of their positions,” Yuri recalls.
He went through a challenging journey — from his first battles to receiving veteran status from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Over two years, he traveled across Ukraine, met locals, learned the culture, and discovered the true value of the fight for freedom.
“One day in Kharkiv, a small child came up, hugged me, and said ‘thank you.’ It was incredible. We’re here for these kids, for the women, for all the people of Ukraine,” he says.
Today, Yuri not only continues to fight for Ukraine’s freedom but also dreams of staying after victory. “I want to remain here — maybe not as a soldier, but as a regular citizen. I’ve come to love this country, its culture, and its people.”
Mega
Randu, a Peruvian volunteer, serves in the First International Legion of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
First of all, I want to thank the Legion for the opportunity and experience it has given me.
Over these two years, I’ve been through a lot. I took part in numerous missions, received combat medals, and the Legion recognized my service. I was wounded in battle near Andriivka and spent four months in the hospital — all that time, I received the payments I was entitled to.
“The truth is — this is war. It’s something technological, something I had never experienced before. But if you are a soldier at heart — and you love what you do — come here, brothers, you’re welcome.”
As for the conditions — we always had what we needed: food, gear, and uniforms. Even when there were delays due to combat, we always had enough to survive and complete the mission.
“My advice to all of you outstanding soldiers who want to be part of this is simple: brothers, stay focused. We need full concentration for every mission or operation. And we need strong mutual understanding with our teammates — just as I can help them, they can help me. This is teamwork.”
I served in the First International Legion, defending positions near Kostyantynivka and Andriivka. I am proud to be part of this unit.
“Ukraine does not want to surrender — and that’s why we are here, to support it. This is their land, and it belongs to them. Every Ukrainian soldier will lay down his life — but never lay down his weapon.”
Randu
In this inspiring video, Aventurero, a volunteer from Colombia, shares his journey to Ukraine:
– How he learned about the Legion through social media
– Why serving is an honor, not just a job
– About challenges, fears, and adapting
– About the training led by an international team
– About the attitude of commanders and fellow soldiers toward foreigners
– About equipment, conditions, translators, and true brotherhood
• “We didn’t come here for a vacation - we came to serve.”
• “The key is to be ready - physically, mentally, and with a true desire to help.”
• “Everything here works like a well-oiled machine. And you become a part of it.”
Aventurero
“I came - and I stayed. I defend Ukraine as my own country”
My name is Proença, I’m 30, and I come from Rio de Janeiro. In Brazil, I served as a soldier and later worked in private security. My journey to Ukraine began with an invitation from a former commander - and since then, I’ve stayed.
Since 2023, I’ve been serving in the Second Battalion. I’ve completed all types of training - weapons handling, tactical medicine, everything. Here, we are given everything we need: gear, support, and top-level medical care. If you need something - just ask, and it gets solved.
I’ve taken part in all kinds of missions - from reconnaissance to frontline attacks. Everything has been well organized. For me, this is the best army in the world.
I’m proud to operate a Mini Mi heavy machine gun. All my gear is new and high quality - vests, helmets, everything needed for protection.
The command treats us with respect. Communication with foreigners is excellent. There are interpreters, support - and you always feel like part of a team.
My advice to those thinking of joining:
Come physically and mentally prepared. This is war - it’s no joke. But here, you’ll be equipped and trained to fight with honor and safety.
Ukraine is the country of the brave.
We’re fighting an uneven war, but we do not retreat.
Join us. Help us win.
Proença
The Ukrainian Army Offers Top-Level Training and Support – Says Colombian Volunteer "Chestnut Brown"
Jaime Andrés Pérez Parra, a volunteer from Colombia (callsign Chestnut Brown), served in an assault unit of the Ukrainian Marine Corps. He made a long journey from Colombia to Ukraine, where he first underwent intensive military training.
“I trained for five months and learned everything about assault, ambush, reconnaissance, and retreat. I trained with NATO instructors,” he shares.
“Chestnut” fought on the Kursk front and is currently awaiting transfer to another combat unit. He speaks highly of the training and combat experience gained in Ukraine and is very satisfied with the weapons, gear, and overall support provided by the Ukrainian military.
“Chestnut Brown” encourages foreign volunteers to come to Ukraine and fight against the Russian invasion, but emphasizes the importance of being physically and mentally prepared for combat.
Chestnut