The Commissioner for Recruitment of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Bezhevets gave an interview to the popular Brazilian YouTube blogger Ricardo Albuquerque Pinto, in which he answered questions about the number of Brazilian volunteers, the features of registration and training, and also noted that information about possible peace negotiations did not affect the process of recruiting foreign volunteers to the ranks of the Ukrainian army.

- How are Brazilian volunteers doing in Ukraine?

- We have seen a large increase in the number of applications from Brazilian volunteers in recent months. These are literally thousands of applications every month. So, first of all, I would like to thank the Brazilian people for responding to the call and joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

However, there may be delays in responding to volunteer applications, as there are a lot of applications. We are working to speed up processing. However, it may happen that some candidates will have to wait several days, maybe a week, to receive an invitation to an online interview and then proceed to the next stage.

In general, the online registration system works very effectively. Many of the people we interviewed a month ago have already arrived in Ukraine and started the procedure for preparing documents for military service. It takes about a week, sometimes two. Then they go to a training center, where they undergo thorough military training. This process is well-established and works very well.

– Do Brazilian volunteers meet the expectations of the Ukrainian army?

– Yes, absolutely. Many of them are well-trained, motivated, have experience in the army, police or security services. They already have basic knowledge of weapons. And this is very good, because it is easier for them to undergo training. We just need to teach them the command structure and how to operate in a modern war, in the conditions that are now on the front lines in Ukraine.

We are giving them a unique experience of a modern war — the experience of World War III, which has already begun here, in Ukraine. And I believe that this will be useful for Brazil — because its citizens here are gaining practical experience of modern combat.

– Regarding the current situation — there have been reports of peace talks initiated by US President Trump. Is there any pause, a truce expected? What is your opinion?

– This must be clearly explained: the war continues, and we will continue to need the support of volunteers from all over the world.

Yes, the negotiations are continuing, but given the history of negotiations with Russia, it is obvious that they do not have a sincere intention to reach an agreement. As our President Volodymyr Zelensky says, the Russian aggressor is simply trying to gain time to strengthen its positions and continue the illegal occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine.

Ukraine is ready for a full and indefinite ceasefire. We have stated this repeatedly. But for this to become a reality, both sides must be ready. Today, only Ukraine is ready, and Russia is not. That is why we continue to invite volunteers to join the Ukrainian army, strengthen our forces and continue the fight against Russia, defending our state.

– So, you continue to recruit Brazilians, other South Americans and people from all over the world, right?

– Yes, absolutely. Currently, volunteers from over a hundred countries serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is already a global initiative.

For the first time in the history of Ukraine, we have created a Center for Recruiting Foreign Volunteers. This is a special structure for attracting foreigners, as well as for providing them with support once they have arrived — both legal and social. We help them go through all the procedures.