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I learned about military service in Ukraine through social networks, in particular through TikTok. Before coming to Ukraine, I worked as a private security manager in Colombia. Before that, I served 5 years in the army – 3 years as a professional soldier and 2 years of conscription.

My comrades and I went to serve in the 95th Airborne Assault Brigade. We were met very well there, treated very well, on the first day we were taken to a picturesque lake. On the second day we were given uniforms and other equipment, and soon we were given weapons. In the 95th Brigade, the Ukrainian military greeted us very warmly and supported us in everything.

At first, we underwent very thorough military training. We had training in assault and trench defense, very serious training in tactical medicine. I also learned about drones: how to control them, how to dodge them during an assault and in defensive positions. We learned about new weapons that we had not seen before in Colombia. We even learned how to use some of the new weapons.

I came to fight for Ukraine because I don’t like the injustice that Russia has done. I came because I want to protect Ukrainian women and children. Ukraine will win the war because Ukrainians are defending their country from the Russians like lions. Ukraine will win the war because Ukrainians are defending their country like lions. And they want their children to be born in a free country and to have a Ukrainian, not a Russian, identity. And we, Colombian volunteers, will support them until the last invader leaves Ukraine.

I felt very good in Ukraine, almost like at home, because the Ukrainian people are very kind and hospitable. They are very kind and very welcoming to foreign volunteers who fight side by side with Ukrainians.

I would give the following advice to those who intend to come to Ukraine. First, prepare yourself physically and, no less importantly, psychologically. Second, tell your family the truth – clearly explain to them that you are going to war. Believe me, this is really important.
 

I served in the Colombian army for 8 years, participating in various operations. I learned about military service in Ukraine from my comrades who had already fought here. After talking with them, I also decided to join the ranks of the defenders of Ukraine.

At first, I underwent very thorough military training. We were taught how to board landing craft and armored vehicles, how to handle various weapons, long-range and close-range combat, trench assaults and retreats from trenches, night and day attacks, and how to evacuate the wounded.

As a result of my injury, I had to go to the hospital. The care there was good, there was no shortage of medicines, and the doctors were very professional in their work. They treated my wounds well and they healed quickly. Therefore, I have no complaints about the hospital. I could have felt lonely in that place, but I didn’t, because I was talking to my ward neighbors and local civilian volunteers. These very kind people were constantly trying to boost the morale of the wounded, bringing us snacks and various delicious foods, clothes, toiletries, and everything to meet our needs and improve our stay in the hospital.

I will give three pieces of advice to future volunteers who intend to come and support Ukraine. First, prepare yourself physically; second, and no less important, prepare yourself psychologically; third, keep in mind that war is not a toy, you can’t play around and be frivolous here. Guys, keep in mind that war is hard. But victory is worth the effort.

Russia will not win this war because it uses weapons against civilians and does not respect human rights. And the best soldiers in this war are fighting for a free country, which is Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!
 

I am 33 years old, I served in the Portuguese army for 7 years. Before coming to Ukraine, I also worked in Switzerland for 7 years in a logistics company. One day, I was lying on the couch at home and watching the news on TV. And it occurred to me that for three days in a row I had seen several ads asking me to help Ukraine. And then I said to myself: “I have to do something for this country”. So after 15 days, I packed my things, left my comfort zone and came to Ukraine.

Here I first underwent military training again. The training in tactical medicine was especially thorough. I would like to note that I had good instructors who taught me well. The training programs are also well-designed, and I learned a lot of useful things during this training. Before coming to Ukraine, I already had some military experience, but I had never dealt with, for example, drones. The widespread use of drones is what impressed me the most in this war. At first, I had to serve with the Colombians. I liked working with them, we became friends. Then there was a unit with the French, and also with the Brazilians. For those who are thinking of coming to Ukraine, I advise you to start physical training at home.

In my opinion, Russia will not win this war, because the truth is not on its side, but on the side of Ukraine. So, no matter how long this war lasts, I will be here to help Ukraine win. I am fighting for Ukraine, because it needs help now. Ukraine deserves freedom, and that is why I will be here, with the Ukrainians, to help them defend their freedom.

Ukrainians are very hospitable and friendly people. They are happy to greet foreign volunteers right on the street. Once I was having lunch in a restaurant. And one family came up to my table to talk and thank me for helping Ukraine. Despite the difficult trials that have befallen them, Ukrainians are very good people. And now is the time when they really need help. We, foreign volunteers, are really needed here. So, if you can come and help Ukraine, then do it.

Long live Ukraine!

Skull served and am serving as an infantryman, I have experience in assault and defense. I am currently the commander of an assault group in a battalion of the International Legion. I have been here for over a year and three months, and I do not regret it. If I could turn back time, I would do it again to gain this experience.

I was a private security guard in Brazil. I followed the war on the news and felt in my heart a very strong desire to come and help the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom. So I got a passport, bought a plane ticket, then got to Poland, and from there I entered Ukraine by bus. Everything went very smoothly. I had no problems at immigration control. I said that I was going to the International Legion – and they very quickly stamped my passport and wished me a safe journey.

As soon as I arrived in the Ukrainian city of Ternopil, I immediately joined the International Legion and underwent military training. It was something very different from what I was used to when I served in the Brazilian army. Almost nothing of what I had learned before, I used here neither in training nor in combat. Very thorough medical training. Until then, I did not know how to apply a tourniquet. And here it is very important to be able to do it.

I also immediately received a military uniform and various equipment. They gave me everything new in plastic. I was surprised, because before that I had heard that everything had to be earned, everything was done by sweat of the brow and so on. But I had no problems with this and with the weapons either. I did not even think that I would immediately receive a new rifle out of the box. The logistics were also very good. They took us to training by bus, they always prepared food for us.

Overall, it was pretty good, although at first the language barrier was a big problem. That's why I always tried to be around Brazilians, Colombians and other Latin Americans, because we can communicate freely. But we also have friendly relations with Ukrainians. I've never had any problems with them. They are usually very friendly. Ukrainians are very grateful to us for helping them in their fight.

For all those who want to come, I want to say the following. I really appreciate the guy who is a real soldier. He's not someone who comes to war for adventure or big money. No, he comes with kindness in his heart to help Ukraine against the unjust invasion of Russia. It's important for all those who want to come to prepare well psychologically and physically. The front is something we've never seen in our lives, especially Brazilians. We're not used to it, although I lived in conditions of street war in Rio de Janeiro. But here is a completely different full-scale war.

My journey began when I saw an ad on the Internet and started researching. After careful study, I realized that there were opportunities to come to Ukraine.

Before joining the Ukrainian army, I served 21 years and 9 months in the Colombian Armed Forces, starting with conscription. In Ukraine, I applied my knowledge and skills, teaching new soldiers so that they also received the necessary skills. But here I myself learned modern methods and tactics: how to attack the enemy, how to repel his attacks, and how to hold the positions gained.

I came to fight for Ukraine because people here want the same thing as my people. Ukrainians want the most important thing for every person - freedom, to live freely in their own country. Here we must remember: Russia is an aggressor. It attacked Ukraine, it attacks the civilian population. Peaceful people suffer greatly from this war. But, fortunately, the Ukrainian people have the courage and strength to go forward and defend their land. Ukrainians, in their desire for freedom, invited us to come and together defend this country, defend its freedom, culture, and most importantly, its future, new generations.

Yes, it is not easy here, and sometimes difficult, because this war is constantly changing, high-tech weapons are increasingly being used here. But I believe that the enemy will not win. Why? First of all, because the Russians are invaders and oppressors.

On the other hand, Ukraine will win, because the Ukrainian soldier is a lion in battle. He demonstrates courage, determination and rage. After all, he wants his children to grow up free on their land. Ukrainians are strong people, devoted to their country. They defend their freedom, their culture and traditions. We do the same in Colombia and in most countries of Latin America.

For those who want to come and join the Ukrainian army, I will give three pieces of advice:

- come prepared psychologically for war;
- in war, good physical shape is very necessary.

- tell your family the truth, they should know where you are and what you are doing.

When I came to Ukraine and joined the army, I was received in a way that I could not have imagined - with brotherhood, as if to a family. The Ukrainians have a wonderful attitude towards Latin Americans, Europeans and all other foreigners who are also fighting for the freedom of Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!

Before coming to Ukraine, I had experience serving in the Marine Corps, worked in a private security company, participated in various operations. The great injustice that Russia has done to Ukraine motivated me to come here.

Don’t come for the adventure – come only for the conviction, believing that you are doing the right thing. Respect the country you are going to, respect the people who are responsible for you, respect your commander.

On your trip to Ukraine, I recommend that you don’t take too many things with you. Take a couple of changes of clothes and underwear and a couple of sets of socks. After you sign the contract, you will be given all the necessary things, equipment and comfortable shoes.

There is an atmosphere of great brotherhood in the Ukrainian army. We are all fighting for the same cause – human dignity and justice. We fight for what is right.

There is not much free time in military service. When it appears, I recommend learning the Ukrainian language and doing physical training, for example, going for a run. You can get distracted a little, but the main thing is to always be ready.

I think it is very important to learn the language of the country where you are, so that there is no language barrier. In my opinion, Ukrainian is not a very difficult language to learn, especially when you are dealing with Ukrainian brothers and sisters. Communicating with them allows you to learn quickly.

Glory to Ukraine!

Before coming to Ukraine, I worked in an engineering company. In Ukraine, I underwent comprehensive military training in my brigade. I was also taught tactical medicine techniques, and was taught to use medical tourniquets, scissors, and other equipment from a first-aid kit in difficult combat conditions.

When I arrived at my unit, I was given uniform, military equipment, and weapons. All of this was new and in excellent condition. The living conditions during the contract and military training were very good, with safe housing and good food. Of course, when you go to the front to fight, the conditions change significantly, but this is understandable, because this is war.

The Ukrainian language is quite difficult, but if you put in the effort and time, you can learn to understand and even speak it. Ukrainian soldiers are wonderful people. I am very grateful to them, because they took care of my life, gave me food and drink. I wish them happiness and always remember them in my prayers.

I really like Ukraine and I plan to stay here because I am in love. The truth is that I feel at home here, regardless of the weather.
I want to give a recommendation for those who are still hesitating: should I join the ranks of the Ukrainian army? Do this: be alone, close your eyes, put your hand on your heart and listen to what your heart tells you. If your heart tells you to go forward and help the Ukrainian cause – do it.

Glory to Ukraine!

I am a professional soldier, having previously served in the Colombian army. In Ukraine, I received thorough training, which complemented the experience I had previously gained in Colombia. In one of the units, the training was the most difficult, but at the same time the most useful. Ukrainian officers are true professionals. They teach effectively and clearly.

I was especially impressed by the medical training, which provides very important basic skills for saving lives: how to stabilize a wounded person during combat, how to apply a tourniquet, etc. In general, I received truly comprehensive combat training.

Many Colombians contact me, as well as Peruvians, Argentines, Ecuadorians. Someone is inspired by my example and says: “I want to be there too!”. They ask how to get there, how to get involved, how to organize all this better? But I always emphasize that this should be your well-thought-out personal decision. You must understand that success is not guaranteed to everyone.

Therefore, my advice: if you decide to come here and help Ukrainians in their fight for freedom, do it consciously. Do not make this decision impulsively or based on emotions. It should be your own, well-considered and deep decision.

You also need to understand: here is a completely different war than in my country. In Colombia, there is an irregular guerrilla war, here is a frontal war between armies. Here, artillery, missiles, drones are a completely different reality.
 

Shortly after the start of the Russian invasion, I saw on the news an appeal by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to foreigners to come and join the ranks of the Ukrainian army. And at that moment, an acquaintance of mine, who had already been to Ukraine, told me about the International Legion.

When I found myself in Ukraine, the first thing I was very impressed with was the high level of military training, especially in tactical medicine. In general, the Ukrainian military is very inventive, they use tactics. And it was very impressive to know the different combat techniques and how they do it. Here you need to understand that this war is progressing, and its techniques have changed since its very beginning.

The International Legion was the first place I came to. I was impressed by the high level of support here. I was provided with everything - from socks and warm underwear to modern protective equipment. I do not expect to receive as much equipment as I will receive.

But no less important is your mental readiness for war. When I arrived in Ukraine, I knew that I was facing an enemy army with the most modern weapons, tanks, planes and helicopters. This is not a fight against terrorists somewhere in the desert or in the mountains. This is a real war. Therefore, it is very important to be psychologically prepared and understand what others will face. This is not paintball - nothing like that!

I have a very good experience of serving in various units of the Ukrainian army. My comrades-in-arms always helped me if there was a serious problem. I never had a misunderstanding with other soldiers on the front line. They helped me and received help from me. Many of my combat comrades are Ukrainian military, and I maintain contact with most of them via social networks or WhatsApp. Here I have never had any problems with communication.

To those who are hesitant, I want to say the following. It doesn’t matter who you were before. What matters is whether you are ready to join the Ukrainian Defense Forces. If you come here with a good heart and good intentions, there will always be a worthy place for you in the ranks of the Ukrainian army. Do it.

Glory to Ukraine!

We are fighting for a country that has been attacked. The Russians have invaded Ukraine and are claiming that Ukrainians are bad. But I believe that I am fighting against evil and on the right side.

I serve in a special unit and am engaged in intelligence. I serve with many other foreigners — Chechens, Koreans, Japanese, Mexicans… They are very good people for performing difficult tasks.

The Ukrainian army has a very good support system. They communicate with us in our language through translators and give us everything we need. In the summer — one uniform, in the winter — another. Weapons, ammunition, equipment, food, drinking water — everything is in abundance.

For those who want to come here, I advise, first of all, to realize — this is not a game. There is a full-scale war here.

Relations with Ukrainians are very good. Of course, we have different languages and cultures, but Ukrainians inspire respect in us. We respect them because they are a courageous and warlike people. Little Ukraine is fighting against big Russia. Many people said at the beginning of the war: in a month or two the Russians will crush them. Instead, Ukrainians have been holding on for four years. They are making History.

I think that many other countries would like to have a president like the one in Ukraine. He set a worthy example to follow.
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!
 

My mother is Italian and my father is French. In addition to their languages, I also speak English, Spanish, Portuguese and a little Ukrainian. The nickname “Fox” was given to me in the International Legion by a Georgian volunteer. From that moment on, I became “Fox” — I’m happy with it.

I learned about the service in Ukraine through social networks — I watched videos on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook. There’s a lot of content there.

I used to serve in the French army. But in Ukraine now, technology is better, it’s a completely different level. Ukraine is in a full-scale war. That’s why everything is changing, adapting and moving forward here quickly. One of the main directions is drones. To become a drone operator, you first need to understand the role of drones in war. Drones are very useful — whether in the offensive or in the defense, drones deliver water, food and everything necessary to the front line. Because if you drive a car, you can be hit, but with drones it is faster and without risk to life.

A new branch of the Armed Forces has been created in the Armed Forces of Ukraine - the troops of unmanned systems. We are forming new units and looking for people who have already joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and want to study to become drone pilots. But first of all, when you join the army, you need to go through basic training. Then it is important to learn to work with other units, to perform combat missions accurately and qualitatively. Your work - the work of one person - can affect the entire battalion and the success of future missions. Units in positions, lines of defense - all this is safe, because the drone operator performs his task quickly and qualitatively.

Now I am undergoing rehabilitation after being wounded. When I was wounded, the Ukrainian military immediately applied bandages, homeostatic, a tourniquet - everything very quickly. And within 5-10 minutes I was evacuated. One guy picked me up and took me to the first medical point - to check the wound. Then I went through three more medical stations — for additional checks, getting medicine, new homeostatic bandages to make sure there were no fragments.

After that, I was sent to a hospital in Kharkiv, where they removed several fragments from my body. I stayed in Kharkiv for 4 days, after which I was sent to Khmelnytskyi, where I underwent a number of other examinations. There, a professor, a doctor, performed the operation on me. We spoke English. In hospitals, I spoke English or Ukrainian with the doctors, because I understand it a little. Some Ukrainians do not speak English, but communication was still simple.

Everything was very good in the new hospital: medicines, antibiotics — if you need something, they bring it to you right away. The medical examination and everything else was done very quickly. And if, as in my case, an operation was needed — everything was done very quickly. The surgeons are very professional.

To the guys who plan to come to Ukraine and join the ranks of the Ukrainian army, I want to advise you – first of all, look for more information. Because there are many options here to realize yourself in various specialties. If you have no experience, there is training for combat medics, tactical training, training with all types of weapons and training to become drone operators. There are many options. It is important to be morally and physically ready for the tests, because war is no joke.

I learned about the war in Ukraine from the news and social networks - and I realized that I could not stay away. I wanted to support Ukraine, because I believe that no country should live under the oppression of another, each should be free. That is why I decided to come and support the Ukrainians in their struggle for freedom.

I served in the Colombian police for 21 years and I know what fighting is. But what I encountered in Ukraine is a completely different war, both in terms of the scale of fighting and the reasons. In my country there was an internal conflict, here in Ukraine - a war against the Russian invasion for the very right of the Ukrainian people to have their own state.

Upon arrival in Ukraine, I had to learn a lot from scratch. But the military training was very meaningful. From the first day we were prepared for real situations. Special attention is paid to combat medicine: applying tourniquets, stabilizing the wounded - things that can save lives. The instructors gave very useful knowledge. It is very important to study well here, because soon this knowledge will have to be applied in practice.

Of course, there was adaptation, because here is a different language, a different culture. At first, it was sometimes difficult, but gestures helped a lot to better understand the words.

In Ukraine, military service is paid very decently. And this is important, because everyone has needs and certain obligations. But your motivation is also very important, your willingness to really help a country that needs it. And the most important thing is your internal readiness to be part of the Ukrainian army. Those who want to play at war should not come here. Because this is a real war, for which you need to be physically and psychologically prepared.