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.

I learned about the opportunity to join the Ukrainian army through a post on Facebook. I became interested, I started reading more about it, looking for information - and in the end I decided to sign up and come. At that time, I was studying physics, but I decided to leave my studies. After all, what was happening in Ukraine seemed deeply unfair to me. Many innocent people were dying here because of russian aggression.

I was welcomed very warmly in Ukraine. Ukrainians were friendly – they supported me, taught me a lot and accepted me as part of their family. I am sincerely grateful to them for this. From the first day I felt that I was not a stranger.

Training in the 4th International Legion gave me a lot. I got acquainted with new technologies that I had not seen before in Peru. We underwent training in defense and offense, mastered tactical medicine - how to provide first aid to a wounded comrade directly during combat. This war is extremely technological and significantly different from conflicts in other countries, so you need to constantly learn and adapt.

My main motivation is people. When you see how civilians, children and the elderly suffer, it cannot leave you indifferent. I am convinced that russia is the aggressor, because the russians invaded someone else's territory, attacking peaceful cities and civilian infrastructure - power plants, hospitals, schools, kindergartens.

But I also see how every day Ukrainian military and volunteers from different parts of the world stand shoulder to shoulder together in the trenches and fight the enemy. It is very difficult, but we are united by a common faith and determination. Therefore, I believe that Ukraine will win.

Here I served together with volunteers from Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, the USA, Canada, Italy and from African countries. This is a true international brotherhood united by the idea of fighting for freedom and justice.

For those who want to join, I always emphasize: you need to be mentally and physically prepared. If a person is not psychologically prepared, during the fight he can fall into shock, and the consequences of this can be tragic. Not only skills are important here, but also strength of spirit.

Glory to Ukraine!
 

From the news I realized that Russia had attacked Ukraine and the war had started. And soon my friend, with whom I worked in Colombia, ended up in Ukraine and interested me in this topic. He told me how to get here and everything else. I flew from Bogota to Paris, from there to Warsaw, and there I took a bus and came to Ukraine, to the recruiting center.

In Colombia I was a professional soldier, having served for almost 11 years. But after signing the contract in Ukraine, I was given a certain period of training, during which they emphasize tactical medicine the most, in order to help a comrade or myself on the battlefield. I also received everything I needed for protection. The supply is very good. They give you absolutely everything and it is very high quality. That is, you don't have to buy anything extra. And the food is also very good. The attitude of Ukrainian soldiers towards foreigners is also very good, the officers are polite.

I would advise those foreigners who want to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine to prepare themselves morally, psychologically and physically for the fact that there is actually a war going on here. This is not a game, this is not a walk. So, if you are thinking of coming, be prepared that it may not be easy. The enemy attacks with artillery, drones, missiles. You also need to be prepared for the fact that at first it may be difficult to communicate with the locals, because the Ukrainian language is quite difficult. The food here is also different, you need to get used to it. Another thing is the weather, because the local winter is quite harsh. But in winter they give you a winter set of clothes, which is very good.

I believe that Ukraine will win, because it did not attack Russia, which is an aggressor country. Russia commits crimes, kills civilians, and I am categorically against this. I also say that Ukraine win the war because it is a very beautiful country and simply deserves to win the war.

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.”

I am a soldier by vocation. In my homeland, I tried to join the army, passed the selection, but did not get into service. However, when I saw my friends coming to Ukraine and getting the opportunity to serve in the army, I decided that I could do it too! That is why I came to Ukraine. I saw this as a wonderful chance for myself, and also felt a desire to help Ukrainians. Russia was insidiously attacking Ukraine. As a believer, I am convinced that evil will not win. There will always be someone who will stand up for good, on the side of people fighting for freedom. As a good reader of the Bible, I believe that the wicked will never stand up at the Judgment.

I came to Ukraine in winter. After enlisting in service, I was given full equipment: winter boots, warm pants and a jacket, even special shoes for mud and snow (we jokingly call them “counter-boots”). I received a modern helmet and other very high-quality military equipment.

First, I underwent good tactical training. The training was rigorous, but necessary in order to succeed on the battlefield. We also had intensive training in tactical medicine. Because if you have the appropriate knowledge and skills, you can save a comrade on the front line.

When I arrived in Ukraine, I was received very warmly. People asked where I was from, some hugged me and even cried. This sincerely touched me. What else struck me: despite the war, the country is alive. People work, maintain order and cleanliness on the streets. There is incredible organization here! And this is a very beautiful country where free people live!

If you are also thinking of coming to Ukraine, then my advice to you is: prepare yourself physically and psychologically. And if you have some useful experience, share it, but at the same time be ready to learn a lot of new things.

Ukraine is open to new volunteers. Here you can start a military career. If you have the desire - please, the doors are open. Just serve honestly, respect people - and you will receive respect in return. Do your job conscientiously - and together we will win!

Glory to Ukraine!

I have been following the war since 2022, since the most full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. From the very beginning, I wanted to come to defend Ukraine, but due to work circumstances I could not do it earlier. Only in September 2024 did I have the opportunity to come and join the fight for freedom.

I was an officer in the Peruvian army, retired with the rank of lieutenant. After that, I worked in several countries, doing security and intelligence for companies. For me, the most important value of a soldier is to help people. We protect freedom and those civilians who need it most. This was the main reason why I decided to come to Ukraine - because of aggression from Russia. Peru has its own military history, and my decision to support Ukraine became part of my soldier's mission.

At the beginning of the war, the Russians were unable to quickly complete their operation, because the Ukrainians showed incredible courage. The war has been going on for several years, but the Russians have still not achieved their goals.

When I arrived, I already had a drone pilot certificate from Peru. Here, in Ukraine, I underwent additional training and joined the 23rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. The training in the brigade was excellent, and the support and attitude towards us foreigners as brothers was unsurpassed. I fought with Ukrainians, and together we protected each other.

One of the lessons of war: drone operators are not the ones who are safe. The enemy is tracking us, and when we come into their field of vision, they try to destroy us. War is a constant risk.

Advice for those who want to join: you need to be morally and physically prepared. This is war, and you never know what can happen soon. This is not a fight against criminals or terrorists, but a big modern war.

The cultural difference between Latin America and Ukraine was noticeable at first. But the people here are very friendly, meetings with them are very warm and friendly. Ukrainians sincerely thank us for protecting their freedom. I really liked Ukrainian food: borscht, porridge. I liked learning Ukrainian, although it was not easy. I learned a lot of words for combat operations and I already feel like a part of this country.

I came to Ukraine not as an adventurer and certainly not as a “mercenary,” as we often like to call it. First of all, I want to explain — here, in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there are no private military companies and there are no people who fight without rules. Everyone who serves is a military serviceman under contract, with clear responsibilities, a stable salary and social guarantees.

I learned more about the war, like many others, through the Internet — videos, social networks. But the picture on the screen is one thing, and the reality is another. I arrived and ended up in the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, first in a training battalion. Then I was transferred to a combat unit, in the infantry. I participated in battles and became a scout, because it corresponded to my experience and skills.

What is really worth noting is the attitude. I saw respect from recruiters, instructors, commanders. From basic training to more advanced things, everything is built logically and professionally.

My path here is not about romance, but about work, discipline and constant training. The Ukrainian army turned out to be much more technically prepared than I expected. We were trained in the use of drones and combating them, tactical medicine, assault operations in the city and in the trenches. This is modern warfare, where you have to be not just strong, but also prepared and attentive to detail.

I was pleasantly surprised by the international environment. I served alongside the British, Americans, Canadians, Australians and many Latin Americans - Colombians, Venezuelans, Argentines, Uruguayans. Everyone is different, but the motivation is the same. Here everyone is united by a common idea - freedom. For me, this is not an abstract word. I came because I believe in human dignity and the right of people to defend their country.

I also quickly realized that it is important to adapt here. Learning at least basic words in Ukrainian, knowing English is not just a recommendation, it is a necessity in order to interact normally.

For me, it is important that there is a certain cultural connection between Brazil and Ukraine. We have a large Ukrainian diaspora, especially in the southern regions. Some traditions overlap - this adds to the feeling that you are not completely a stranger in this country.

I would advise everyone who is thinking of coming to be well aware of their motives. You should not go here based on emotions, but with a clear understanding that you will be part of the structure. It requires discipline and a willingness to learn, as well as respect for the country in which you serve.

My experience here is the experience of a professional army. This is a place where a lot is required of you, but they also give you the opportunity to prove yourself and become part of something bigger.

The reason I came to Ukraine was to support Ukrainians so that they would have a future. I know that russia will not win the war. I have some advice for those who want to come and fight in Ukraine. It is a lie that the russians say.

I worked as a security guard in Colombia for 10 years, but I decided to come to Ukraine because there is an opportunity to gain military experience and make a military career here. On TikTok, I came across a link through which I contacted recruiters from Ukraine. I completed all the necessary documents, received an invitation letter, and now I am serving in the Ukrainian army.

First, I was in the Fourth International Battalion for a month and a half, where I received very good military training. The Ukrainians gave us excellent training: handling weapons, machine guns and grenade launchers, retreat and attack, trench warfare, tactical medicine. Some advice for those who want to come here: first, prepare yourself psychologically for war; second, be physically ready for combat; third, keep in mind that this is a different war than the one we know in Colombia.

Later, I served in the 66th Brigade together with Brazilians, Spaniards and Argentines. The Ukrainians received us wonderfully there. We had no problems, they provided us with everything we needed, the food for the entire unit was very good, and the medical care was excellent. In Ukraine, I have no problems with my salary.

Propaganda by russia lies that we are discriminated against or treated badly in Ukraine. This is not true. Ukrainians always support us. And some civilians, seeing us — Latin Americans who came to fight for Ukraine — thank us right on the street. They are grateful for the support we provide to Ukraine in its just struggle.

I sincerely support the struggle of the Ukrainians, because russia has invaded their country. In trying to invade Ukraine, the russians are doing unacceptable things. Ukrainians are defending themselves so that their children can grow up and have a future in their own country. I know that russia will not win this war, because Ukrainian soldiers are better trained. Ukraine will win, because Ukrainians are defending their land, and the russians are invaders. 

Glory to Ukraine!