Hundreds of Americans and Canadians have responded to Ukraine’s call for international volunteers to combat Russia’s invasion, including a software developer from Texas and a cook from British Columbia.
Americans and Canadians claimed they were inspired by Ukrainians’ courageous resistance, despite their governments’ refusal to send soldiers to Ukraine for fear of triggering a world war. Many people believe that if they do nothing to safeguard Europe, their democratic liberties will be jeopardized at home.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, has advocated for the development of a “international legion.” Some teenage volunteers are flying directly to Ukraine to join the army.
Others are submitting applications to Ukrainian embassies and consulates before quitting their employment or dropping out of school.
The mobilization took place while Russian artillery shelled Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city.
“I feel bad about not going,” said Dax, a 26-year-old infantry veteran of the elite US 82nd Airborne Division who planned to deploy with other ex-military men. The Alabama native, like many other volunteers, declined to give his full name, citing the need to keep their identities and movements hidden for security reasons on social media.
After seeing Zelenskiy’s appeal, Canadian Bryson Woolsey quit his work as a cook on Sunday. He has no military experience and intends to go to Poland, cross into Ukraine, and volunteer for combat.
Woolsey, 33, of Powell River, British Columbia, became agitated as he viewed photographs of wounded women and children in Ukraine. “I felt like I had to do something,” he said.
Melanie Joly, Canada’s foreign minister, said it was up to individuals to decide whether or not to join Ukraine’s international brigade. A request for comment from the US Department of State was not immediately returned.
Not everyone who volunteers wants to fight wants to fight.
Julien Auger, 35, was planning to leave his young family in Quebec to work as a medic for Ukraine’s health ministry and provide “neutral” humanitarian aid.
“Right now, global opinion and support are the most important factors in resolving the issue,” said Auger, a father of two who works in a hospital in Saint-Jérôme.
Volunteers with no combat training were advised by military veterans in online communities that they were entering a fight where their lack of expertise could be a liability for themselves and others.
That didn’t deter Tai B., a 23-year-old New York-based journalist.
“I’m not wanting to be a hero or a martyr; I just want to do something right,” Tai said, adding that he can cook, perform basic mechanics, and handle a pistol. He has inquired about joining Zelenskiy’s “international legion” at the US Embassy in Ukraine.
Hyde, a 28-year-old from the Midwest in the United States, claimed he had already arrived in Kyiv and would begin military training on Tuesday.
“I can’t face the prospect of Europe being engulfed in conflict once more,” said Hyde, a gun aficionado and survivalist with no military experience. He anticipates receiving a helmet, body armor, knee pads, and a weapon.
A software developer in Austin, Texas, said he would use his experience as a US Army cadet to fight for Ukraine.
“If they’re prepared to protect democracy, I believe those who profit from a democratic society owe it to them to support them,” the 25-year-old, who did not want his name revealed, added. “Until I get to the airport, I’m not informing my parents.”
