I am a medical instructor in the 4th International Legion. My service is to prepare soldiers for combat medicine before they go into battle. We also train combat medics for the front line. My main task is to help those who go to the front line learn about medicine so that they can not only destroy the enemy, but also save lives - their own and those of their comrades.
I am also a translator in the 4th International, because I can translate from Ukrainian to Spanish.
I want to say that we received very good equipment, and it was a pleasant surprise for us. Depending on what combat work you will perform, you will be given certain equipment. If it is an assault group, then it is one thing, if it is defense, then another, but the equipment is very good. Here no one plays with lives, and everyone is very serious about not losing people. In this sense, Ukraine has a lot to offer other countries, including Europe.
The experience that Ukraine gained in this war is unforgettable and incomparable with previous wars in Iraq, Afghanistan or Colombia, where there were no drones and so many mines. Here it is a combination of almost all previous wars, and the equipment continues to adapt depending on the situation on the front. Here, the officers taught us this from the very beginning. I had previous military experience, so it was easier for me to adapt.
Military training in Ukraine meets NATO standards, but is better adapted to modern warfare.
Old Fox
When the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky called for foreign aid, I decided to respond and try to help the Ukrainians.
I learned a lot in Ukraine. All the units I served in were very professional. Of course, thorough training is what you will need if you are serious about going to the front. This is one of those things that you are either ready for or not. And I will say it unequivocally: if you want to take part in combat, then prepare yourself physically and morally. Many foreigners I know have gained great combat experience in Ukraine.
I found many friends in Ukraine, both among officers and ordinary soldiers. The Ukrainians I met had brave hearts and were ready to go forward. Therefore, I am simply proud that I can fight shoulder to shoulder with them and be involved in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Glory to Ukraine!
Banditt
This video tells the story of a young volunteer from Serbia who came to help the Ukrainian people after the Russian invasion. In the video, he talks about how he learned about the opportunity to join the Ukrainian Army Forces online, his first steps in the legion were, the different types of training he received with military instructors from different countries, and how it helps the fighters on the front lines.
Serb
“I am an anti-aircraft missile system operator, although I previously worked in private security in Brazil,” says Filipe from Rio de Janeiro, call sign “Bandera.”
Filipe arrived in Ukraine in 2022. He arrived to Poland by plane, and then traveled by train.
After arriving in Ukraine, Filipe underwent training. According to him, everything was high-quality and well-organized. The training lasted from one to two months, and they provided everything: weapons, ammunition, documents, food.
“We are really well received here. Ukrainian officers treat us as members of one big family. There is a real brotherhood between foreign volunteers and Ukrainians,” he says.
“Bandera” gained combat experience near Kherson and in the Kramatorsk region, and recently in the Kharkiv region, performing tasks to storm enemy positions and conduct reconnaissance.
“It was difficult, but we managed to complete the mission and return safely. Thank God,” he says.
Philippe claims that the level of provision is very high: weapons, ammunition, body armor, uniforms, food - nothing is missing. Everything is of very high quality.
Advice from Philippe to volunteers who want to join the Ukrainian defense force:
“Prepare yourself physically, psychologically, and understand that this is a real war, anything can happen here, but if your intentions are firm - the doors of Ukraine are always open and you will be welcomed here.”
Filipe
The Ukrainian Army Offers Top-Level Training and Support – Says Colombian Volunteer "Chestnut Brown"
Jaime Andrés Pérez Parra, a volunteer from Colombia (callsign Chestnut Brown), served in an assault unit of the Ukrainian Marine Corps. He made a long journey from Colombia to Ukraine, where he first underwent intensive military training.
“I trained for five months and learned everything about assault, ambush, reconnaissance, and retreat. I trained with NATO instructors,” he shares.
“Chestnut” fought on the Kursk front and is currently awaiting transfer to another combat unit. He speaks highly of the training and combat experience gained in Ukraine and is very satisfied with the weapons, gear, and overall support provided by the Ukrainian military.
“Chestnut Brown” encourages foreign volunteers to come to Ukraine and fight against the Russian invasion, but emphasizes the importance of being physically and mentally prepared for combat.
Chestnut
“I came - and I stayed. I defend Ukraine as my own country”
My name is Proença, I’m 30, and I come from Rio de Janeiro. In Brazil, I served as a soldier and later worked in private security. My journey to Ukraine began with an invitation from a former commander - and since then, I’ve stayed.
Since 2023, I’ve been serving in the Second Battalion. I’ve completed all types of training - weapons handling, tactical medicine, everything. Here, we are given everything we need: gear, support, and top-level medical care. If you need something - just ask, and it gets solved.
I’ve taken part in all kinds of missions - from reconnaissance to frontline attacks. Everything has been well organized. For me, this is the best army in the world.
I’m proud to operate a Mini Mi heavy machine gun. All my gear is new and high quality - vests, helmets, everything needed for protection.
The command treats us with respect. Communication with foreigners is excellent. There are interpreters, support - and you always feel like part of a team.
My advice to those thinking of joining:
Come physically and mentally prepared. This is war - it’s no joke. But here, you’ll be equipped and trained to fight with honor and safety.
Ukraine is the country of the brave.
We’re fighting an uneven war, but we do not retreat.
Join us. Help us win.
Proença
In this inspiring video, Aventurero, a volunteer from Colombia, shares his journey to Ukraine:
– How he learned about the Legion through social media
– Why serving is an honor, not just a job
– About challenges, fears, and adapting
– About the training led by an international team
– About the attitude of commanders and fellow soldiers toward foreigners
– About equipment, conditions, translators, and true brotherhood
• “We didn’t come here for a vacation - we came to serve.”
• “The key is to be ready - physically, mentally, and with a true desire to help.”
• “Everything here works like a well-oiled machine. And you become a part of it.”
Aventurero
Randu, a Peruvian volunteer, serves in the First International Legion of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
First of all, I want to thank the Legion for the opportunity and experience it has given me.
Over these two years, I’ve been through a lot. I took part in numerous missions, received combat medals, and the Legion recognized my service. I was wounded in battle near Andriivka and spent four months in the hospital — all that time, I received the payments I was entitled to.
“The truth is — this is war. It’s something technological, something I had never experienced before. But if you are a soldier at heart — and you love what you do — come here, brothers, you’re welcome.”
As for the conditions — we always had what we needed: food, gear, and uniforms. Even when there were delays due to combat, we always had enough to survive and complete the mission.
“My advice to all of you outstanding soldiers who want to be part of this is simple: brothers, stay focused. We need full concentration for every mission or operation. And we need strong mutual understanding with our teammates — just as I can help them, they can help me. This is teamwork.”
I served in the First International Legion, defending positions near Kostyantynivka and Andriivka. I am proud to be part of this unit.
“Ukraine does not want to surrender — and that’s why we are here, to support it. This is their land, and it belongs to them. Every Ukrainian soldier will lay down his life — but never lay down his weapon.”
Randu
Story of a Foreign Volunteer: "I Believed This War Was Mine Too"
Yuri, callsign “Mega,” is from the province of Bergamo, Italy. In 2023, he came to Ukraine to join the International Legion of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. After completing a short training course, Yuri became a machine gunner in combat units operating on the Bakhmut front, particularly in the villages of Andriivka and Klishchiivka.
“We were stormtroopers — our mission was to push the enemy out of their positions,” Yuri recalls.
He went through a challenging journey — from his first battles to receiving veteran status from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Over two years, he traveled across Ukraine, met locals, learned the culture, and discovered the true value of the fight for freedom.
“One day in Kharkiv, a small child came up, hugged me, and said ‘thank you.’ It was incredible. We’re here for these kids, for the women, for all the people of Ukraine,” he says.
Today, Yuri not only continues to fight for Ukraine’s freedom but also dreams of staying after victory. “I want to remain here — maybe not as a soldier, but as a regular citizen. I’ve come to love this country, its culture, and its people.”
Mega
My name is Dark. I am a tactical training instructor in Ukraine’s Defense Forces. I’m a former soldier who previously worked in coastal security and operated in high-risk zones.
In 2022, I came to Ukraine to help in the fight for freedom. From humanitarian aid to frontline combat, I have worked alongside Ukrainian and foreign fighters. I was seriously wounded in battle, but after recovery, I returned—to train volunteers ready to defend Ukraine.
Dark
Former soldier Knight shares how meeting Ukrainian warriors during training inspired him to join the Defense Forces of Ukraine. He is now actively learning the Ukrainian language, symbolizing his desire to fully integrate into the common cause.
If you are interested in the stories of foreign legionnaires and want to learn more about their personal experiences, this video is for you!
Knight
A Story of Courage and Advice for Future Volunteers – Foreign Volunteer Thomas ("Krakov") Speaks
"If someone wants to join the Ukrainian forces – know that you will be trained from scratch to full combat readiness," says Polish volunteer Thomas (callsign "Krakov"). We present to you an exclusive interview with a volunteer defending Ukraine.
He left a comfortable life in the United Kingdom to become part of Ukraine’s defense. In this video, Thomas shares how, just days after the war began, he decided to leave his career as a manager at one of London’s most expensive restaurants to become a volunteer fighting for Ukraine’s freedom.
His strongest impression after crossing the border was the warm welcome and kindness of the local people who helped him in the beginning. Thomas describes his training at the military range and how he soon found himself defending Kyiv—first as part of the Georgian Legion, then in the "Carpathian Sich" battalion.
Unexpectedly, Thomas became a combat medic and a trainer for new recruits. He gives a detailed account of the challenges of warfare: living in basements, intense training, and the importance of teamwork, discipline, and communication.
Thomas addresses those who wish to join the Ukrainian forces: "Remember—discipline, teamwork, and communication are everything. You will be provided with everything necessary for battle."
He urges volunteers not to stay silent when something is lacking but to openly ask commanders for help and always tell the truth—because lives depend on it, both their own and their comrades'.
Watch the video to hear Thomas’s inspiring story and learn why the Ukrainian army is one of the strongest in Europe today. If you feel the call to fight for freedom, join the ranks of Ukraine’s defenders and become part of this shared cause!
Krakov