American and Canadian volunteers join the war of Ukraine against Russia.
As the government of America and Canada refuse to send troops to help Ukraine out of fear of sparking the world war, American and Canadian volunteers were inspired by Ukrainians’ fierce resistance, as they believe that their democratic rights at home may ultimately be jeopardized if they do nothing.
A Texas software developer and cook in British Columbia are among dozens of Americans and Canadians who are inspired by Ukrainians and answer Ukraine’s call for foreign volunteers to fight Russia’s invasion.
Some young volunteers traveled straight to Ukraine to enlist, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Sunday for an “International Legion.” The said mobilization was taking place as Russian artillery attacked Ukraine’s second-largest city on Monday.
Dax, 26, is a veteran of the elite U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Infantry division who planned to deploy with other former U.S. military personnel. Like many volunteers, the Alabama volunteer declined to give his full name to protect his identity and for the security of his family.
Bryson Woolsey, 33, from Canada, who lived in Powel River, British Columbia, had quit his job as a cook after seeing Zelensky’s appeal to other nations.
Woolsey has no military training and plans to buy a plane ticket to Poland to go to Ukraine, and volunteer to join their fight for freedom. Woolsey said: “I felt like I had to do something,” as he watched images of wounded women and children in Ukraine.
Melanie Joly, Canadian Foreign Minister, it was up to individual Canadians to decide whether they wanted to join Ukraine’s international brigade. A U.S. State Department spokesperson, in an email to Reuters, said U.S. citizens are urged not to travel to Ukraine.
Julien Auger, 35, a physician from Quebec was preparing to leave his family to become a medic with Ukraine’s health ministry and provide neutral humanitarian aid. Auger said: “Global opinion and support is the key right now to solving the conflict.”
In online groups, military veterans warned volunteers who lacked combat training that they were heading into a conflict where inexperience could be a liability for themselves and others.
Tai B, 23, who studied journalism in New York said: “I’m not looking to be a hero or a martyr, I just want to finally do something right.” He also said he already contacted Ukraine’s U.S. Embassy staff about enlisting in Zelenskiy’s International Legion.
Hyde, 28, from U.S. Midwest said he was already in Kyiv and expected to start military training on Tuesday. Hyde said: “I cannot bear the thought of Europe once again being plunged into warfare.”
Hyde is also a gun enthusiast and avid survivalist with no combat experience. He expects to be given a helmet, body armor, knee pads, and eventually a rifle.
A software developer in Austin, Texas said he would draw on his experience as a United States Army cadet to fight for Ukraine. The 25-year-old who asked that his name not be used said: “If they’re willing to defend democracy then I think those that benefit from a democratic society are duty-bound to support them. I’m not telling my parents until I head to the airport.”