When a Ukrainian soldier is beside, it gives confidence

– The Ukrainian army is a very good place for anyone who wants to pursue a career as a professional soldier, says Colombian Julian.
He has been serving in the Ukrainian army for more than three and a half years. For his distinguished service, Julian received the rank of sergeant and three awards, the highest of which is the Golden Cross. This honorary award is presented to soldiers and sergeants for bravery shown in battle, an act of heroism, or successful command of a unit in a critical situation when an officer was absent or had been killed.

In an interview with the Foreign Recruitment Center, Julian spoke about his experience of serving in the Ukrainian army.

About military training

– I am a physicist-engineer by training, but I was also a soldier in Colombia. I love military service and military brotherhood.
In Ukraine, I started serving in the International Legion. I now serve in the 2nd Battalion of the 33rd Assault Regiment. We carry out special assault missions. It is very difficult work, but we know how to do it properly. The most important thing is to trust your comrades and your team and feel comfortable with them.

I already had military experience, but in Ukraine I received additional training. It is very important. If you train well at the training ground, you have a much better chance of successfully completing a task and returning safely from the front. You need to train and be able to perform every task as well as possible.

Our battalion has very intensive training. We are constantly learning how to respond to different combat situations and improving our proficiency with different types of weapons.

I have been in different positions and experienced different situations on the front line, and I can confidently say that over the past three years, the war has become more complicated. We use modern weapons, including drones and many other technologies. This makes it easier to carry out missions and return safely.

The most important thing is to protect your comrades and their lives. Their safety comes above all else.

About military brotherhood

– Ukrainians have good hearts. Ukrainian soldiers are incredible warriors. That is why I believe Ukraine will win. When you have a good and strong heart, you dedicate your life to serving your country and fighting for its freedom.

When you go to the front line and a Ukrainian comrade is beside you, you feel that strength. It gives you more motivation and courage. Of course, everyone is afraid at the front. But when a Ukrainian comrade is beside you, it gives you strength and confidence.

In our battalion, we are a family. It makes no difference to us who you are: Ukrainian, Colombian, American, British or from any other country. We are one family.

I serve side by side with Ukrainians, Britons, Colombians and Peruvians, and for us there is no difference. As our battalion commander says, “You are one united, inseparable family.”

Indeed, an enemy bullet does not distinguish between Ukrainians and Colombians. Bullets, drones and shells are the same for everyone. That is why I appreciate my commander’s attitude. He never says, “You are different because you are not Ukrainian.” He believes in us, and we believe in him.

About recruitment

– Our battalion is currently open to new people. Our company is recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers. We need strong people — and not only physically. The most important qualities are mental endurance, courage, readiness for difficult situations and the ability to adapt to combat conditions.
The training is very intensive. But you have to remember that this is not an ordinary unit. We are part of Ukraine’s highest-level assault units, so we undergo intensive training and carry out complex missions.

Yes, sometimes it is difficult. But when you have proper training, courage, honor and strong personal convictions, you can face difficult situations.
To those who have combat experience in Colombia, I want to say: believe me, this is a completely different kind of war. Anyone considering joining the Ukrainian army needs to understand that. It is important to train well, listen to your commanders and be part of a good team.

We were born to support one another. We were born to help one another. Colombians have good hearts. We can and want to help other countries become free. Other countries once helped us win our freedom. Now we can give something back to Ukraine.

About Ukraine

– Ukraine is an amazing, beautiful country. I tell my Ukrainian friends that it is an incredible country that I have truly fallen in love with.
Recently, we started studying Ukrainian again because it is very important for our work on the front line.

I need some time off now. In almost four years, I haven’t returned to Colombia even once. I want to go home and then return to Ukraine, to my battalion. I have already agreed with my commander: I will take 20 days of leave and then return. It will be very good.

I love Ukraine. Now, following the introduction of new rules for foreigners serving in the Ukrainian army, I can obtain a residence permit.
Not far from my current place of service, I saw a house and am thinking about buying it. It is a very beautiful place.

I love this country. Glory to Ukraine!