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I came to Ukraine not as an adventurer and certainly not as a “mercenary,” as we often like to call it. First of all, I want to explain — here, in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there are no private military companies and there are no people who fight without rules. Everyone who serves is a military serviceman under contract, with clear responsibilities, a stable salary and social guarantees.

I learned more about the war, like many others, through the Internet — videos, social networks. But the picture on the screen is one thing, and the reality is another. I arrived and ended up in the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, first in a training battalion. Then I was transferred to a combat unit, in the infantry. I participated in battles and became a scout, because it corresponded to my experience and skills.

What is really worth noting is the attitude. I saw respect from recruiters, instructors, commanders. From basic training to more advanced things, everything is built logically and professionally.

My path here is not about romance, but about work, discipline and constant training. The Ukrainian army turned out to be much more technically prepared than I expected. We were trained in the use of drones and combating them, tactical medicine, assault operations in the city and in the trenches. This is modern warfare, where you have to be not just strong, but also prepared and attentive to detail.

I was pleasantly surprised by the international environment. I served alongside the British, Americans, Canadians, Australians and many Latin Americans - Colombians, Venezuelans, Argentines, Uruguayans. Everyone is different, but the motivation is the same. Here everyone is united by a common idea - freedom. For me, this is not an abstract word. I came because I believe in human dignity and the right of people to defend their country.

I also quickly realized that it is important to adapt here. Learning at least basic words in Ukrainian, knowing English is not just a recommendation, it is a necessity in order to interact normally.

For me, it is important that there is a certain cultural connection between Brazil and Ukraine. We have a large Ukrainian diaspora, especially in the southern regions. Some traditions overlap - this adds to the feeling that you are not completely a stranger in this country.

I would advise everyone who is thinking of coming to be well aware of their motives. You should not go here based on emotions, but with a clear understanding that you will be part of the structure. It requires discipline and a willingness to learn, as well as respect for the country in which you serve.

My experience here is the experience of a professional army. This is a place where a lot is required of you, but they also give you the opportunity to prove yourself and become part of something bigger.

I learned about the war through the news and social media. Aggression russia`s against Ukraine seemed deeply unfair to me. We were also going through difficult times in Colombia, so I understand the value of peace and human life. That’s what prompted me to come here. I did it with my own savings and of my own free will.

My experience serving in the Colombian army came in handy. But in Ukraine, I gained new knowledge about modern combat techniques and learned new types of weapons. Training in tactical medicine was especially important, because these skills really save lives.

I remember my first day in Ukraine well. When I arrived in Lviv, everything seemed unknown, but at the same time very sincere. The taxi driver who took me to the recruiting center didn’t take money — he just hugged me and said “thank you.” At that moment, I felt that I had made the right choice. As a Colombian, I did not expect such warmth, but it helped me feel like I was not a stranger here.

What impressed me most in Ukraine were the people? They are open, sincere, and very humane. The only difficulty is the language, but even that does not become a barrier when there is mutual respect. I served with soldiers from different countries, and despite the difference in cultures and languages, we are united by a common goal.

I came here not just to fight - I came to support the people who have become my family. And I believe: thanks to unity, strength of spirit, and justice, we will definitely win.

Glory to Ukraine!

I came to Ukraine, understanding that a smaller country is fighting a larger one. But I believe that God is on the side of those who seek freedom.

I learned about this war through social networks - I saw videos, listened to stories and realized: I cannot stay away. I contacted a fellow countryman who had previously come to Ukraine, learned all the steps and came here on my own.

At home, I served in a special unit of the national police, where I underwent serious training in conducting operations in urban and rural areas. These skills became the basis for my training in Ukraine. Here I took a course in tactical medicine. It is very important to have this knowledge in order to be able to provide professional first aid to a comrade wounded in battle. Modern war is also about technology: drones, new weapons, quick decisions. And I understand how important it is to constantly learn.

For me, coming to Ukraine is not just a decision, but a calling to serve. I wanted to make my contribution to the fight for freedom, to use my experience to help people. And today I am sure that it was the right decision.

I was deeply impressed by the Ukrainians. Their gratitude to foreign volunteers is sincere and genuine. People greet each other on the streets, children smile, and even without words you feel their support. This is very motivating. The Ukrainian army is also impressive - teamwork, mutual support, the principle of "not leaving your own". This is true brotherhood. And the experience of the Ukrainian army is extremely valuable.

I believe that Ukraine will win. Ukrainians are fighting for their right to live freely on their land. And even if we are "little soldiers" against a great enemy, truth and faith give us strength, like the biblical David against the giant Goliath.

To those who are thinking of coming, I would say: this should be a conscious decision. You need physical and psychological readiness, understanding and support from your family, and most importantly, a sincere desire to help. Here, war unites people from all over the world. I served with Colombians, Peruvians, Brazilians, Italians, Georgians and found good friends among them.

And it is here that you understand the true value of freedom.

Glory to Ukraine!

When the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine began, the news of the massacre in Bucha, the shelling of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities became a point of no return for me. I packed my things and joined the International Legion, because I could not stand aside, knowing what was happening.

The Ukrainians impressed me the most. Honestly, I did not expect to see such strength and courage. Despite the fact that they are fewer than the russians and have somewhat fewer resources, they fight much more fiercely than I could have imagined. This is not just an army - this is a people who clearly understand what they are fighting for. Ukrainians are fighting for the freedom and independence of their country, for their children to grow up in a free countrAnd this is what gives them the advantage.

I am convinced: russia will not win. Because it is not only about technology or numbers. It's about values, about inner motivation, about the willingness to stand to the last – to the last drop of blood, to the last bullet. Ukrainians have this, and their freedom-loving spirit cannot be broken.

This war is one of the most brutal in our time. Therefore, my advice to everyone who is thinking of coming: be clearly aware of where you are going and why. You should not perceive war as a romantic adventure – it is a harsh reality that tests everyone. Therefore, do not be frivolous.

But I also want to say that here I saw real unity and military brotherhood. People from different countries – English, Colombians, Spaniards, Ukrainians – serve in the military together. There are no problems between us. Everyone who is ready to help is welcome here. It doesn't matter who you are – a shooter, a drone operator, a cook or an administrator – every contribution is important.

Ukraine today is a place where more than just the fate of one country is being decided. And I am proud to be a part of this fight.

Glory to Ukraine!
 

I learned about the opportunity to join the Ukrainian army through a post on Facebook. I became interested, I started reading more about it, looking for information - and in the end I decided to sign up and come. At that time, I was studying physics, but I decided to leave my studies. After all, what was happening in Ukraine seemed deeply unfair to me. Many innocent people were dying here because of russian aggression.

I was welcomed very warmly in Ukraine. Ukrainians were friendly – they supported me, taught me a lot and accepted me as part of their family. I am sincerely grateful to them for this. From the first day I felt that I was not a stranger.

Training in the 4th International Legion gave me a lot. I got acquainted with new technologies that I had not seen before in Peru. We underwent training in defense and offense, mastered tactical medicine - how to provide first aid to a wounded comrade directly during combat. This war is extremely technological and significantly different from conflicts in other countries, so you need to constantly learn and adapt.

My main motivation is people. When you see how civilians, children and the elderly suffer, it cannot leave you indifferent. I am convinced that russia is the aggressor, because the russians invaded someone else's territory, attacking peaceful cities and civilian infrastructure - power plants, hospitals, schools, kindergartens.

But I also see how every day Ukrainian military and volunteers from different parts of the world stand shoulder to shoulder together in the trenches and fight the enemy. It is very difficult, but we are united by a common faith and determination. Therefore, I believe that Ukraine will win.

Here I served together with volunteers from Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, the USA, Canada, Italy and from African countries. This is a true international brotherhood united by the idea of fighting for freedom and justice.

For those who want to join, I always emphasize: you need to be mentally and physically prepared. If a person is not psychologically prepared, during the fight he can fall into shock, and the consequences of this can be tragic. Not only skills are important here, but also strength of spirit.

Glory to Ukraine!
 

I come from the hinterland of Minas Gerais state in Brazil, but I lived in Europe for over ten years. Today I have been in Ukraine for almost two years, a country that has become my home.

I believe in the strength of the Ukrainian people. I believe that these people will not give up. Despite what you may hear in some media outlets as if “russia will win,” the truth is different: a full-scale war has been going on for four years, and Ukraine is standing firm. The Ukrainian people are resisting. And I see it every day.

When Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, I was living in Europe. I have a son who also lives there. I thought that this war could go further. Even then, we felt the consequences — rising prices, instability. But it wasn’t just about the economy. I felt that I had to do something.

I contacted the military who were already here, got information, and went to Ukraine. Here I showed up at the recruitment point for foreign volunteers — and that’s where my journey in Ukraine began. My first unit was the Fourth International Legion. We underwent intensive military training for about two months. It was a solid foundation that opened up opportunities for me to serve further.

Initially, I was driven by the desire to help stop a war that could have spread. But once I was here, my vision changed. I saw how hospitable, strong, and united Ukrainians are. Today I have a Ukrainian family — and that motivates me even more.

I know that people are dying. It hurts. But I also see that Ukrainians don’t want to give up. They want to fight to the end. There is strength in this culture. Perseverance is what unites Ukrainians and Brazilians. We Brazilians have drive. And Ukrainians have it too.

I used to serve with Americans, Brazilians, Colombians, Canadians, and now mostly with Ukrainians. And I never had any problems because of nationality. The important thing here is that you came to protect people.

There is a salary, everything is paid clearly, twice a month. But if someone thinks only about money, this is the wrong motivation. I want to say honestly: do not come here with the idea that war is like a computer game. War is blood, pain, and a real risk of losing your life. No amount of money can compensate for this.

If you come, come with an idea, with understanding, with a willingness to listen and learn. Here you will serve with Ukrainians, receive orders from Ukrainians. You have to adapt to their culture and military system, not the other way around.

Now I am serving in the 31st Separate Mechanized Brigade. It is a strong brigade with good support. We have a unit that is mostly Brazilian. I started as a drone explosives installer, and later I got the opportunity to become a drone pilot. There is real professional growth here, if you are willing to learn and work. Everything that was promised to us has been fulfilled.

When you see the news about the shelling of civilians, about injured and dead children, it is impossible to describe in words. That is why I am here. I came to protect children, the elderly, the innocent.

My definition of Ukraine is love. Ukraine accepted me. It became my home. I admire the Ukrainian people and their culture and am ready to stand with them until the end.
 

I ended up in Ukraine because of the injustice I saw in this war. I could not stay away, knowing that peaceful people were suffering - losing their homes and being forced to seek refuge in other countries.

In Colombia, I was a professional soldier and served in a unit that carried out combat missions to combat drug trafficking and illegal armed groups. It was there that I received my first combat experience and understood what real responsibility to people is.

I learned about the opportunity to come to Ukraine from a colleague with whom I served together. I made a decision and got the chance to come to this beautiful country. From the first days I was impressed by the hospitality here. Ukraine demonstrated a wonderful attitude - they treated me like a member of the family. The culture, people, food - all this left a deep impression. The way Ukrainians express gratitude and support sincerely and pleasantly surprised me.

Upon arrival, I received high-quality training: infantry tactics, assault and defense of trenches, artillery and hand grenade launchers, machine guns and assault rifles. Special attention was paid to tactical medicine - how to properly and quickly provide assistance to the wounded, how to act quickly and coherently. These were professional and meaningful trainings.

I had the opportunity to serve alongside volunteers from different countries: Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Poland. We are united by a common goal - to support Ukraine and stand on the side of justice. I believe that truth must prevail. We are fighting for freedom and are confident in victory.

To those who are thinking of coming, I will say three things:

- come with the correct understanding that this is a real war;

- come with loyalty and honor;

- be physically and morally prepared.

Ukraine is a country with a great culture, strong people and great dignity. I am grateful for the opportunity to be here and support the Ukrainian people.

Glory to Ukraine!
 

My name is David, call sign Gringo, I'm from Los Angeles, California.

I've been following the russian aggression against Ukraine since the very beginning, since 2014. But after the full-scale russian invasion in February 2022, I realized: it's time to act. I learned about the recruitment of volunteers for the Ukrainian army and decided to join. I couldn't come right away, because I had certain responsibilities at home. But as soon as I had the opportunity, I came here.

At first, I served in the Khartiia brigade. There I first underwent thorough military training, learned to use different types of weapons. This is real training that saves lives. Keep in mind: no one will send you to the front until they are sure that you are ready for battle.

After training, I performed a defensive mission in the Kharkiv region. It was pretty cool. Now I am trying my hand at the 425th Assault Regiment. And honestly, doing this makes me feel happier. I have learned a lot, gained good experience, met a lot of wonderful people. The Ukrainian army is like a big family. People here are really cool and close-knit. Ukrainians do things every day that other countries take years to prepare for.

Volunteers from Colombia, Brazil, and other parts of the world serve next to me. The language barrier is not a problem for me. I speak English and Spanish, which helps me work in multinational units.

In Ukraine, I fight for freedom. I believe that every American should support Ukraine, because our country was founded on this value. Here I feel the same. Ukrainians want to live freely and do not want to be under the rule of russia. What the russians are doing is unfair.

So, if you believe in freedom, do not be indifferent. You don’t have to come to fight, but you have to support Ukraine. If you decide to come, be 100% ready. Take charge of your affairs at home, choose a unit and come consciously. Be very responsible about it. After all, this is not a game. This is war. But if you have the motivation and the right attitude, you can do something really great here.

Glory to Ukraine!
 

We came to Ukraine because this very beautiful country is fighting for its freedom against russian aggression.

Before joining the Ukrainian army, I was a professional soldier in Colombia for 10 years. We fought against drug trafficking and conducted anti-guerrilla operations.

Service in the Ukrainian army began with training, during which we learned about new, new weapons, the use of drones and countering them. In the Ukrainian army, we received useful knowledge and skills thanks to experienced commanders and instructors. This is a very high-tech war, which no one in the world has ever seen.

I believe that russia will not win the war because it is an aggressor country, an invader country. It violates human rights and the rules of war, attacks civilians, and shells hospitals. And Ukraine is a country that resists the aggressor. Ukrainians have the fighting power and a very big heart to win this war. We are fighting and standing firm. And we will win!

Ukraine is a very beautiful country with a very interesting culture. The people here are very hospitable. They sincerely thank us for coming to their aid in a difficult time for their country.

The propaganda that the russians are broadcasting all over the world — that foreign volunteers here are not paid and are used as cannon fodder — is a lie. Those of us who are already here will confirm that in Ukraine you are paid a decent salary for your service. Here you are provided with hospitalization and treatment if you are injured or sick. The medical service here is at a high level. Here you receive psychological support.

I just want to tell everyone — do not believe russian propaganda.

I want to give three pieces of advice to people who want to come to Ukraine to support this beautiful country.

First of all, it is psychological preparation. It is very important that everyone who comes to Ukraine has an understanding of what they will be dealing with. Physical training is also very important. Here you will need to adapt to a different climate.

But let the people who come to Ukraine be sure that they will be treated with care and will lend a helping hand. At the recruiting center, they will help you and provide you with all the necessary information so that you can join.

The best way to support us now, if you stay in your homes, is to follow our news. Now it is very important for us that as many people as possible around the world know what is happening in Ukraine, know about the war we are going through.

Glory to Ukraine! We will win!
 

I was a professional soldier in Colombia, I served for six years, then I worked for three years in a security company. And then I retired and started my own business. Watching the news, I realized all the injustice that russia was doing to Ukraine. And this was one of the reasons why I decided to come and support the Ukrainians.

My service in the Ukrainian army began with military training. The Ukrainians welcomed us very well. We were taught to handle different weapons, we practiced interacting with armored vehicles in offensive and defensive combat, and we also received training in providing first aid.

We are fighting against an invader, which is russia. It invaded Ukraine, and it doesn’t care that not only soldiers are dying, but also children, women or the elderly. It doesn’t care that it brings devastation and destruction. But I believe that Ukraine will win even though russia is a much larger country.

I was very impressed when I saw how many cities and villages the russians destroyed. But I was also pleasantly surprised by how warmly the civilian population welcomed us, the Latin American volunteers who came to fight for Ukraine. The Ukrainian and Colombian peoples have in common that we are purposeful and resilient, and we do not give up easily.

To those who want to come and fight for Ukraine, I want to give you one piece of advice: gentlemen, think very carefully about your families. After all, this is war, not a walk in the park.

I served mostly with fellow Colombians, but also with Chileans, Brazilians, Argentines and Peruvians. Despite the language barrier, our interaction with the Ukrainian military is good because, for better or worse, they adapt to our language, and we to theirs. And even when we lack language skills, we communicate with gestures.

Now Ukraine needs help and is waiting for volunteers who are ready to fight for freedom against injustice.

Glory to Ukraine!
 

I will not return home until we achieve the goal for which we gathered here – to protect the people of Ukraine from russian aggression. And we will win.

I have been in Ukraine since the beginning of 2024. I first learned about the russian aggression against Ukraine from the news and soon from friends who came here earlier. They told me exactly what was happening here and what the situation was. And that is why I decided to come to Ukraine of my own free will to fight against injustice.

From the moment I joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, I was directly accompanied in terms of documentation and training. From the Recruiting Center to the first training unit, we were accompanied by translators who instructed us how to properly formalize everything, how to get the necessary help. During the exercises, we were instructed how to do everything correctly and safely. Issues of armament and medical support were always accompanied by a translator – from the simplest question to the most serious.

Here I met many people whom I did not know before, but from the moment of our first contact they became like a second family to me. From the very beginning I have had full support and all kinds of help here. Despite the fact that we are not blood relatives – we are like one big family. We speak Spanish, Portuguese, English, Ukrainian. But over time you will be able to communicate well and understand each other without the need for an interpreter. Regardless of nationality, we are here to protect this beautiful country from injustice. We categorically do not accept the injustice that the Russians are doing against the Ukrainian people.

For those who want to come to Ukraine, I advise you, first of all, to talk openly about it with your families. Even if it will be a difficult and tense conversation – still talk openly with your family about what you are doing. They should know about all the risks.

Another piece of advice from me – always try to be calm and maintain a good mood. Thanks to this, you will be able to stay balanced every day, have good physical training, have good conversations. This will allow you to have good relationships with others and work well every day.

Now I give my all to this country and the Ukrainian army to protect the Ukrainians and win. I am here body and soul, and as I said, I will not return until we truly achieve our goal. With this goal, we will stay here, and we will win.

Come and support Ukraine! Together we will win this war.

Glory to Ukraine!
 

I joined the Ukrainian army and served in the 60th Brigade, 98th Battalion. I was part of the anti-drone unit during the fighting near the city of Lyman in the Donetsk region. Well, it was a tough fight, but thank God we repelled the enemy attack.

The war in Ukraine is very different from the one we saw in Colombia. Because it is a very high-tech war. We didn’t have drones or anything like that back then. And in Ukraine we are constantly faced with different new technologies and new methods of warfare.

What the russian ruler vladimir putin is doing to this beautiful country is very unfair. After all, russia is already the largest country in the world, but it still wants to invade another country for its minerals and other riches, which Ukraine has. But this country believes in God, and God will help us win.

Ukrainians are very friendly people. This is a very beautiful country with an interesting culture. The attitude of Ukrainians towards foreign volunteers is very friendly. So don’t worry about it and come with a positive attitude. The Ukrainian army treats foreign volunteers very well. Here you will first undergo military training. You will also be paid a decent salary that will allow you to provide for your families.

We are brothers in arms with Ukrainians, there are no problems between us.

Glory to Ukraine!