In Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeals to foreign volunteers Dozens of Americans and Canadians responded to fight alongside Ukrainian forces to repel the Russians. Among them is a software development engineer from Texas and a cook from British Columbia.
With the US and Canadian governments refusing to send troops to Ukraine, many Americans and Canadians told Reuters they were inspired by strong Ukrainian resistance. Many believe that they can finally jeopardize their democratic rights in their countries if they do nothing to defend Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday called for an “international legion” to be formed. Some young volunteers traveled straight in Ukraine to fight.
Others applied to Ukrainian embassies and consulates, leaving jobs and studies.
“I felt I had to do something”
“I would feel remorse if I did not go,” said Dax, a 26-year-old veteran of the 82nd Infantry Battalion, who plans to go to Ukraine with other U.S. military personnel, according to Reuters and the Athens-based News Agency.
Canadian Bryson Wolsey quits his job on Sunday after seeing his appeal Zelensky. He has no military training and intends to buy a plane ticket to Poland and enter Ukraine from there.
“I felt I had to do something,” the 33-year-old cook explained.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joy told reporters Sunday that Canadians themselves can decide whether to join Ukraine’s international legion.
A State Department spokesman told Reuters that there was a recommendation to US citizens not to travel to Ukraine.
“I’m not trying to be a hero or a witness, I just want to do something right”
But not all volunteers want to fight.
In Quebec, 35-year-old doctor Julien Oger is preparing to leave his family to work for the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and offer “neutral” humanitarian aid.
In online groups, army veterans warn volunteers with no military training that a lack of experience may be a disadvantage for both themselves and others on the battlefield.
But that did not stop Tai B., a 23-year-old who has studied journalism in New York.
“I’m not trying to be a hero or a witness, I just want to do something right,” said Tai, who says he can handle a gun.. He explained that he had contacted the Ukrainian embassy in the US to join the “international legion”.
Hyde, a 28-year-old from the Midwestern United States, said he was already in Kyiv and would begin military training today.
“I can not stand the thought that Europe might be plunged into war again,” he said, describing himself as someone who is passionate about guns, although he has no experience on the battlefield.
In Austin, Texas, a software development engineer said he would use his experience as a student at a military academy to fight in Ukraine.
“If they are willing to defend democracy, then I believe that those who benefit from a democratic society have a duty to support them,” he said.
“I will not tell my parents until I go to the airport.”
Source: News Beast
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