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Ukraine has become home to many foreign volunteers who responded to the call to help resist Russian aggression. One of them is JC - a volunteer from Brazil who has been serving in the ranks of Ukraine’s Defense Forces for two years.

In a detailed interview, JC talks about his journey - from the initial idea of joining Ukraine's resistance to taking part in combat on the front lines. He arrived in Ukraine in 2023, invited personally by a Ukrainian friend. With prior military experience, JC quickly adapted and found himself on the front line just days after arriving.

Today, the process for new volunteers is much more organized. JC explains in detail how the recruitment system works: registering through an online portal, arriving at the center in Ternopil, and undergoing training at the base of the Fourth International Legion of Ukraine’s Defense Forces. Even those without combat experience can receive the necessary training and everything required for service.

JC talks about the realities of modern warfare - drones, technology, and new types of weaponry. The Ukrainian front has become a kind of laboratory where daily adaptation and new skills are vital. According to him, the experience gained by volunteers here is unique and rarely accessible in peaceful countries.

JC also emphasizes the importance of logistics - rotation, food supply, and parcel delivery even to the zero line of the front. He notes that the high level of organization in the Ukrainian army impresses many foreigners.

The interview also addresses important practical issues: salary, bank transfers to Brazil, the process of signing a contract (which usually takes up to two weeks), the role of drones in combat, and how experience in Ukraine’s Defense Forces is invaluable for a future career.

To conclude, JC addresses all Brazilians and Latin Americans with a call to join the fight for freedom:

“Ukraine is far better prepared than it was a few years ago. You’ll get everything - training, equipment, a new profession. And most importantly - you’ll feel the genuine gratitude and support of the Ukrainian people.”
 

In cooperation with World Revolving

📩 Official invitation – mandatory requirement

To avoid difficulties on the way to Ukraine, every Brazilian volunteer must obtain an official invitation, which we prepare and send directly. By following the recommended routes, this document will allow smooth transit through countries on the way to Ukraine.

Without an invitation, the following problems may arise:

1. Entry denied by a transit country due to lack of documents.
2. Border control may request a return ticket.
3. Other complications entering the EU.

✈️ Recommended routes for volunteers from Brazil

Departure airports:

• • São Paulo (Guarulhos)
• • Rio de Janeiro (Galeão)

Best routes to Ukraine:

1. São Paulo – Madrid – Malaga – Warsaw (24h, $777)
2. São Paulo – Madrid – Warsaw (28h, $788)
3. São Paulo – Lisbon – Warsaw (17h, $817)

These routes are the most reliable and tested for Latin American volunteers.

🚌 What to do after arriving in Warsaw

1. Go to the bus station at Kijowska 20, Warsaw (by taxi or train).
2. Enter the station building and go to the ticket counter shown in the photo.
3. Tell the staff that you're a volunteer heading to Ukraine.

They will assist you with:

• • Food
• • Temporary accommodation (if needed)
• • Bus ticket to Ternopil ($25–$30)

Then you’ll travel to the border with Ukraine. If you have a valid invitation and haven’t exceeded the 90-day EU stay, you’ll be allowed through.
If any issue arises, contact your recruiter by phone.

Important recommendations

• • Stay in contact with your recruiter
• • Send your passport and ticket copies via WhatsApp before departure
• • Print your invitation before the trip
• • Don’t disclose your purpose of travel to strangers
• • Wear civilian clothes
• • Bring necessary items (especially warm clothes in fall/winter – ask the recruiter)

Expenses in Ukraine

• • Accommodation before signing the contract: $5–$20/day (for 8–20 days)
• • Food: free (thanks to volunteers)
• • Public transport: free

Approximate cost for the whole period: from $60

After signing the contract

• • You’ll receive: uniform, body armor, helmet, protection gear, and three meals a day
• • Undergo training in a military camp (at least 30 days)
• • Then – deployment to a combat unit

Follow the verified routes and instructions — this ensures safe arrival and full support at every stage!

📩 Official Invitation – Required

To avoid problems while traveling to Ukraine, every Colombian volunteer must obtain an official invitation. We handle and send it directly. Without it, you may be denied entry to transit countries or face issues at the airport.

✈️ Recommended Routes to Ukraine

The most efficient and proven routes:

1. Bogotá, Cali, or Medellín → Madrid or Frankfurt → Warsaw → Ternopil
2. Bogotá → Madrid → Warsaw → Ternopil – fastest route (4 days), ~$1000–$1200 + $25–$30 (bus)
3. Bogotá → Frankfurt → Warsaw → Ternopil – cheaper (~$900–$1000), but adds 1 extra day (5 days total)

Best departure airports:

• • José María Córdova International Airport (near Medellín)
• • Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (near Cali)

🚌 Upon Arrival in Warsaw:

1.Go to the bus station: Kijowska 20, Warsaw
2.At the ticket window (as shown in the photo), say you're a volunteer traveling to Ukraine
3.They will help you with:

• • Food
• • Temporary accommodation (if needed)
• • Ticket to Ternopil ($25–$30)

4.Take the bus to the Polish-Ukrainian border
5.Show your official invitation and necessary documents
6.After verification – continue your journey to Ternopil

Important Travel Tips:

• • Stay in contact with your recruiter
• • Send passport and ticket copies via WhatsApp to receive your invitation
• • Print the invitation before traveling
• • Don’t tell others your destination or purpose (only officials)
• • Wear civilian clothes and stay low profile
• • Bring necessary seasonal items (check with your recruiter)

Expenses After Arrival in Ukraine:

• • Accommodation during pre-contract processing: $5–$20/day (up to 8–20 days)
• • Meals during this period – free
• • Public transportation – free

Estimated total cost: from $60

Why Not via Ecuador (Quito)?

• • Adds 4 extra days (total 8–9 days)
• • More expensive and requires more spending
• • Less safe and less tested route

Use proven routes – faster and safer!

After Signing the Contract:

• • You will receive: uniform, body armor, helmet, protective gear, and 3 meals/day
• • You undergo at least 30 days of training in a military camp
• • Then you're assigned to your unit

The number of foreign volunteers willing to join Ukraine’s Defense Forces continues to grow steadily. This was announced by Oleksii Bezhevets, an officer at the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, responsible for recruitment initiatives.

“We’re witnessing a significant increase in the number of foreign volunteers eager to join the Ukrainian army — even compared to the beginning of this year,” says Oleksii.

According to him, there are currently many open positions in various military units, meaning anyone can find their place — regardless of their citizenship.

Equal Rights and Opportunities

Foreigners who join the Armed Forces of Ukraine receive the same rights and responsibilities as Ukrainian soldiers. Ukrainian law guarantees equal treatment for all who defend the state.

“This means equal rights, equal opportunities, and the same chance to realize themselves in civilian life with all due state benefits,” the officer emphasizes.

Path to Officer Rank and Citizenship

According to Ukrainian legislation, foreign volunteers can become officers. The rules for them are the same as for Ukrainian citizens.

Those who have served in the Ukrainian army may also apply for Ukrainian citizenship. Although the procedure is complex, it is legally available and already used by many volunteers.

Continued Demand for Foreign Soldiers

Despite potential changes on the frontlines, the need for foreign volunteers will remain. Ukraine needs motivated people ready to defend freedom and independence.

“We see how effectively foreign service members fulfill their duties — as soldiers, as officers on the frontlines. Their contribution is crucial and necessary, regardless of how the war unfolds,” Bezhevets concludes.

In this video, Katalea — a volunteer from Colombia — explains the individual first aid kit provided free of charge to every foreign defender. This kit is a vital part of every soldier’s gear.

She walks us through its contents, their importance, and how to use each item correctly — directly from a frontline medic.

The essentials include a tourniquet, trauma shears, hemostatic and compression bandages, thermal blanket, occlusive chest seals, tablets, and hygiene and safety supplies. Each item can be the difference between life and death on the battlefield.

Katalea shares not only her knowledge but also her personal motivation. She emphasizes: Ukraine is a beautiful country worth fighting for — and it needs the support of everyone willing to help.

This year, the number of Latin American volunteers who joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and joined the fight against Russian aggression against Ukraine has noticeably increased. This was stated in an interview with the Argentinean publication "PERFIL" by the Commissioner for Recruitment of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Bezhevets. www.perfil.com

According to him, volunteers from all over the world serve in the Defense Forces of Ukraine, but most of them are from Latin America, Europe and the USA. "These are brave and strong people who value freedom," says Oleksiy Bezhevets. Recently, the number of volunteers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Ecuador has noticeably increased. According to the recruiting officer, Latin Americans are generally mentally close to Ukrainians.

Foreign volunteers serve in different branches of the military, regardless of whether they had previous combat experience. After all, they all undergo military training, can become drone operators or master other cutting-edge weapons. During their service, they can change specialization, move from one unit to another, and advance in their careers.

“Someone fights, someone becomes an instructor. Many foreign volunteers have been awarded state awards of Ukraine. And some even found their love in Ukraine and started a family,” said Oleksiy Bezhevets.

According to him, for many foreign volunteers, Ukraine has become a second home

An instructor from Ukraine’s International Legion shares insights on training foreign volunteers.

In 2022, a soldier named Dark arrived in Ukraine to help in the fight for freedom. After 11 years of service in his country’s army, carrying out coastal security tasks and operating in high-risk zones, he decided to pass on his experience to new fighters.

"I started with humanitarian aid, then trained Ukrainian and foreign soldiers, and also fought on the front lines. I was seriously wounded, but after recovery, I returned to train volunteers ready to defend Ukraine," – says Dark.

How Are Volunteers Trained?

The International Legion of Ukraine conducts training for both experienced soldiers and beginners. Regardless of skill level, each volunteer undergoes a comprehensive program, including:

💪 Basic Military Training, led by Dark:

✔ Discipline, physical fitness, small unit tactics

✔ Shooting fundamentals: weapon handling, accuracy, and speed

✔ Tactical operations: flanking maneuvers, defense, trench warfare, CQB (urban combat)

Why Join Ukraine’s Defense Forces?

This conflict is unlike any other in modern history. Ukrainian forces adapt quickly, using the latest tactics and technologies. Every volunteer strengthens the army and brings victory closer.

🚨 This is your chance to contribute to the fight for freedom!

Amid growing interest from foreigners in serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, journalists from the popular Brazilian YouTube channel Mundo Em Revolution conducted an interview with the authorized representative of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for recruitment, Oleksii Bezhevets, who coordinates the enlistment of volunteers from Brazil and other countries.

Following the publication of a recruitment video inviting foreigners to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces, many people expressed interest in this opportunity, but numerous questions also arose. In the interview, Oleksii explained the adaptation process for new recruits, service conditions, salaries, citizenship opportunities, and other key aspects.

Key points from the interview:

· Before starting service, all volunteers undergo an adaptation period (up to 2 weeks) and complete documentation, followed by basic military training lasting 30-49 days.

· During training, soldiers receive a base salary of $500, which increases depending on their duties and deployment location.

· Foreign volunteers receive the same financial compensation as Ukrainian soldiers.

· Soldiers stationed on the front lines for 30 days can receive up to $4,500 per month. However, in most cases, soldiers do not remain on the front lines for 30 consecutive days.

· The minimum contract for foreigners is 3 years, but it can be terminated after 6 months without penalties.

· Foreign volunteers can open bank accounts and transfer money to their families abroad without restrictions.

· All military personnel receive medical insurance. In case of injury, treatment is fully covered by the Ukrainian government. If a volunteer is disabled, they receive compensation based on the severity of the injury.

· In case of death, the family of a foreign volunteer receives compensation of approximately $350,000.

· Foreign volunteers can apply for Ukrainian citizenship, but additional requirements must be met.

The interview generated significant interest, and for the convenience of Brazilian volunteers, the recruitment website was adapted into Portuguese. More details and a full list of frequently asked questions can be found on the official resource.

In cooperation with World Revolving

Meet Father Makarios Lewis – the Brazilian chaplain of the Second Battalion, who shares his inspiring story of faith and service in Ukraine.

In this video, he talks about how the events of 2014 moved his heart and inspired him to come to Ukraine, guided by his deep devotion to God, the Holy Virgin Mary, and the Ukrainian people.

Father Makarios shares his background serving in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Brazil, where he first learned the Ukrainian language and was raised within a vibrant Ukrainian diaspora.

His mission is to provide spiritual support, blessings, and practical assistance to foreign soldiers - both on and off the front lines - offering prayer, comfort, and care in moments of hardship.

If you feel the call to serve, to stand with Ukraine, and to be part of something greater in these challenging times - join Father Makarios in his mission to support Ukraine.

We asked this question to servicemen of the Ukrainian army from different countries.

Volunteers from Colombia, Brazil, the USA, and the UK have different motivations and life experiences. However, each of them speaks about Ukraine with genuine warmth.

"Culturally, Ukrainians and the British are very similar in many aspects." – Rock, a volunteer from the UK.

At the same time, a volunteer from the USA, Benjamin Reinhard, says that Ukrainians have a certain charming stoicism with which he can truly associate himself, even though he is thousands of miles away from home.

"Since the moment I arrived, Ukrainians have treated me with full acceptance and kindness." – added Benjamin Reinhard (USA).

Ukraine values everyone who is ready to stand side by side with our warriors. If you feel the call to fight for justice and freedom, you can become part of the Defense Forces of Ukraine!

💪 Join us! Stand on the side of light. Defend freedom.
 

During the training course, foreign volunteers live in the training camp. The Armed Forces of Ukraine provide newcomers with comfortable conditions for the duration of the training. 

Recruits live in comfortably and warm military tents and eat delicious food.

“After passing the selection, we were informed about the start of the training course and were transferred to the training center base. We settled in military tents. I was surprised that the living quarters are very comfortably equipped, the tents have stationary powerful air conditioners that heat in winter and can cool the temperature in summer. All this is provided to us free of charge by the Ukrainian army,” says a volunteer from Spain, with the call sign “Madrid”, Luis Gonzalez.

Separately, the base has sanitary blocks that recruits use for personal hygiene. There is an opportunity to use a comfortable toilet, take a warm shower, and clean their clothes and shoes after training. Separately, there is a laundry on the territory of the base, which is also available free of charge to foreign volunteers.

“During the training period, we have all the most comfortable conditions for living in the unit,” says Jordan, a volunteer from Australia, with the call sign Preach.

Separately, there is a canteen on the territory of the training base. Foreign volunteers are provided with three free meals a day, according to the rules and standards of the Ukrainian Army. Food is prepared daily, always fresh, tasty, high-calorie and varied. Foreign and Ukrainian military personnel eat together.

During the training period, recruits have free and personal time to relax and communicate with friends. In their free time, they can visit the gym, which is also available free of charge to all military personnel.