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- I learned about the war in Ukraine through the news, just when the full-scale Russian invasion began. Then the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to foreigners to join the defense of Ukraine, I knew: this is my moment. One of my acquaintances was already part of the International Legion of the Ukrainian Defense Forces and it was he who told me more about this opportunity.

I was impressed by the high level of training, especially medical, it significantly exceeded my expectations. Another strong impression was the tactical training. The Ukrainian military skillfully combined NATO standards with adaptation to the realities of the front, effectively leaving behind outdated Soviet tactics. It was very interesting and useful to learn new approaches that I did not know before.

Psychological readiness and physical fitness are key. This is not a game. This is a war where every mistake can cost a life. But I was mentally prepared and knew why I was going. The International Legion provides everything I need - from socks to winter and summer equipment, from thermal underwear to "armor", everything is given out immediately upon arrival. I arrived with my own equipment, but in fact it was not needed - everything was already waiting here.

I worked in intelligence, on the front line, in fire support. The Ukrainian military are professionals who always lend a shoulder. I am still in touch with many of them.

If you are thinking of joining - do it with a sincere heart and with the realization that this is a real war for freedom, there will always be a place for you here.

Glory to Ukraine!

I work as a drone operator in Ukraine. After completing a month and a half course at a training center, where I was taught to operate different types of drones, I joined a unit with which I carry out daily combat missions. Thanks to cooperation with Ukrainian comrades, I gained very valuable experience - they are smart and professional, I learned a lot.

The war here is significantly different from everything we were used to before. The most modern technologies, such as drones and missiles, are used here. The "Vampire" technology is particularly impressive, which effectively hinders the actions of the enemy deep behind their lines.

I recommend that volunteers who wish to join the Ukrainian Defense Forces take a minimum of things with them - two changes of clothes and hygiene products. After all, in Ukraine you will be provided with everything you need. Also, think carefully before traveling and weigh all the risks - this war is very technological and complex.

In my free time, I relax, play sports, and study Ukrainian.

I watched the video and saw many innocent deaths. The Ukrainian people were treated unfairly. That’s why I decided to come to Ukraine and join the Ukrainian army. I also wanted to learn more about what was happening in this war, because sometimes people say things on social media that are not true.

From Honduras I came to Germany. And from the German capital Berlin I got to the Ukrainian city of Ternopil, where I joined the Ukrainian military. Here I could focus on sniper work, because in my country I served in the navy and was a good shooter. The Ukrainian military is very kind to me, the officers are attentive and take our opinion into account. And the Ukrainian civilians are very friendly and have great respect for the foreign volunteers who came to defend Ukraine.

In the Ukrainian army, the volunteers are well provided for. You get a uniform, the necessary equipment, and a decent salary. You will have everything you need and you can climb the career ladder.

On vacation, I live like a normal civilian. I can ride a bike, go to restaurants or shopping malls, read.

I left my job as a manager in a luxury accessories store in Colombia and joined the Ukrainian army. We made this decision together with my husband, who is currently fighting in the ranks of the Ukrainian army against Russian aggression. It is very likely that my brothers may also join the Ukrainian army.

Although I have not been in Ukraine for very long, I have already fallen in love with this country, its people, culture and language, which I am currently studying. And although I plan to go to Colombia during my vacation, I would like to connect my future life with Ukraine.

I call on Colombian men and women to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine and fight for justice together.

I have been in Ukraine for two years now. Our military training – both practical at the training ground and theoretical – was very thorough. We had the opportunity to undergo both theoretical training and practical in the field. We were prepared for combat operations at a very good level.

I always follow the news, so I have been aware of how events in Ukraine have developed since 2014. The call for support and assistance from the Ukrainian state finally convinced me to come here and try to do everything possible. I have been helping others all my life, so I thought: why not help Ukrainians in their struggle?

My route was as follows: by plane from Buenos Aires to Bogota, from Bogota to Madrid, where we spent 24 hours, then a flight to Denmark and then to Krakow. In Krakow, we were met by Ukrainian volunteers who took us by car to the border. From there we took a train to Ternopil, where we joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

I brought a lot of things that I shouldn’t have taken. Two years ago there were still assumptions that the Ukrainian army lacked equipment. In fact, now you need to go to Ukraine with the minimum necessary. Now the Ukrainian military is well-equipped with everything you need.

Therefore, you need to take only the most necessary things that can fit in one backpack. Everything else will be given to you here. What’s more, they will also give you a lot of different equipment. You won’t lack for anything, especially when you go into battle. Here you will see a lot of the latest developments.

Ukrainians are wonderful about foreign volunteers. I made many friends and comrades-in-arms here. The food here is different, but good. Dumplings, borscht – dishes of traditional Ukrainian cuisine are delicious. In my free time, I mostly train, walk, read, and try to learn the wonderful Ukrainian language. I advise those who want to join the ranks of the Ukrainian army, in addition to physical training, to be morally prepared for the fact that war is not a game.

I came to Ukraine from Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. I decided to come to fight side by side with the Ukrainians because I saw the news about the terrible suffering that the invaders caused here. Then I realized that I could not just sit back and let this happen - and decided to become part of the fight against Russian tyranny. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is simply a disgrace. I believe that the entire civilized world should unite to provide Ukraine with support against the invaders.

I came to Ukraine - and this is the best thing I have ever done. My friends supported my choice and send me packages. I tell them that I am fighting here so that they do not have to fight with the invaders later. I also fight for my beautiful girlfriend in Kiev. This gives me a lot of motivation to fight against the Russian invaders.

When I arrived in Ukraine, it was 4:00 in the morning and I got off the train, and the air raid siren was wailing outside. It was a very harsh welcome, but I quickly got used to it. Ukraine is a wonderful country, the people here are amazing, kind and hospitable. I also see incredible courage and resilience. I would really like to live here after the war. My girlfriend and my colleagues are happy to teach me Ukrainian.

A few months after the Russian invasion, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced the creation of an international legion. First, I registered on the website of the Ukrainian International Legion, and then arrived in Ukraine. My journey was from São Paulo to Lisbon, from there to Warsaw, and then by bus to Ukraine.

In Brazil, I was not a soldier, but worked as a carpenter. In Ukraine, I first received the necessary basic military training and learned a lot. Sometimes the training was more difficult than it was later on the front. This training really prepared me.

Now foreign volunteers who want to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine can find all the necessary information on the Internet, on TikTok or YouTube. I would like to advise you not to bring a lot of things with you to Ukraine. Only the most necessary personal belongings. Because you will get a lot here. The fewer things you bring, the better.

The Ukrainian people have great sympathy for Brazilians. I felt this not only in the Armed Forces, but also throughout Ukraine. Ukrainian cuisine is very diverse. I fell in love with Ukraine and am now studying Ukrainian. It is a very beautiful language.

In Colombia I served in the army for 7 years, and then I came to Ukraine. I have been here for about a year, serving in the Marine Corps.

The Ukrainian army has very good training – a bit different than in the Colombian one, but very good.

I really enjoy communicating with Ukrainians. I learn a lot from them, I have made good friends here. In the two units where I served, I made friends with many Ukrainians. There is great respect between foreign volunteers and Ukrainians. I learned a lot in the Ukrainian army. I gained a wonderful experience in Ukraine, which opens many doors for me.

I served in a combat unit of the Marine Corps for about eight months. Now I want to rest a little and I intend to continue serving in a new unit. I would like to stay in Ukraine.

I also like to cook, and I had an interesting culinary experience in Ukraine. Some Ukrainian dishes are very tasty. Ukrainian borscht is very tasty.

Miller Duque: Colombian Volunteer Defending Ukraine

Miller Duque, call sign “Anjey”, is a Colombian soldier with over 8 years of service experience. He has been helping Ukraine in its fight for its freedom and independence for over 15 months. The story of the volunteer “Anjey” is an example of courage, dedication and mutual support between peoples in times of war.

Miller came to Ukraine not out of duty, but out of a calling of the heart to support the Ukrainian Defense Forces. He served in the "Carpathian Sich" units and the "140th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion of the Marine Corps", where he gained invaluable experience and skills that help him cope with the challenges on the battlefield.

According to him, the main difference between the war in Ukraine and his native Colombia is technology, in particular, the use of drones and artillery. But, despite this, he emphasizes the importance of professionalism and brotherhood among the military, regardless of the country.

For Miller, the path of a volunteer is not just a duty, but a true passion and an opportunity to contribute to a great cause. "We are here not by force, but by the call of the heart. Together we are strong!" - says Miller.

After the Ukrainian recruiter approved my application, I left Guatemala for Colombia, from there to Spain, then to Poland, and from Poland I came to Ukraine.

In my homeland, I already had basic military experience, served in the army, and in Ukraine I received much more thorough military training. I fought in the assault infantry in the Kursk and Belgorod regions. It is important that we had the support of drones and artillery. My last combat mission was to storm enemy trenches. We took the trenches, defended the position, and then help arrived, and we evacuated.

In Ukraine, I felt supported both in battle and outside of it. Here I was accepted as a relative, as one of my own. Ukrainians support you, when you are with them, you feel good company. They accepted me as if I were part of a Ukrainian family.

I urge my compatriots to come and support Ukraine, which is repelling the Russian invasion. The biggest advice I want to give to foreign volunteers is to come morally and physically prepared. Because this is a war.

Volunteer from Colombia Harley Olarte, under the pseudonym Rochii.

Tells how he learned about the possibility of serving in the International Legion in the Ukrainian Defense Forces:

- I learned about it from a friend of mine, with whom we previously worked in Colombia, he gave me the contact information of the recruiter Sergeant Ortiz, and it was he who was responsible for sending me.

How the trip to Ukraine went:

- I flew from Bogota to Spain, then from Spain to Warsaw, in Warsaw I took a bus and arrived in the city of Ternopil and began the incorporation process.

Rochii says that in Colombia he was a professional soldier in the National Army and therefore training in Ukraine was simple and understandable for him.

- My training here was basic, because I had already served in the Colombian armed forces.

And what about food and financial support?

As for my support process - there were no problems, everything you want: from fruit and more. We live well, you get what you want. The food is great. The financial support is excellent, on time and in full. They provide everything. I have not had any health problems.

Rochii adds:

- The people here are very humane, they make you feel at home, like among brothers. They gave me personal military documents.

Advice to volunteers who want to join the Defense Forces of Ukraine

- I think I would advise you to prepare yourself physically and psychologically, because you are going to war here. Materially - everything is great, new equipment, uniforms, weapons - everything is in perfect condition. Here, they really fulfill everything they promise: both in financial terms and in medical support and equipment. I would advise you to join, because this is a cause in which the Ukrainian people suffer great injustice.

Luis "Fighter", Peruvian volunteer

I went from Peru to Spain, from Spain to Poland, and from Poland to Ukraine. In Peru I worked as a security guard in Lima, and in Ukraine I became a professional soldier.

In Ukraine, we were trained for a month - both how to fight and tactical medicine. We mastered the most modern weapons and military equipment. Ukrainian officers shared their combat experience with us. They are very attentive and answered our various questions.

The Ukrainian army pays good money, as well as free support, including medical. We were provided with everything we needed, even socks. We lacked nothing, and as for food, we even had fruit. But it is no less important for me that I fight for democracy and against injustice, when a large country attacks a smaller one.

I invite South Americans to go defend Ukraine. This is a good, but at the same time risky service. Therefore, those who primarily want to appear impressively on TikTok should not go here.