The motivation of the new wave of foreign volunteers who enlist in the Ukrainian army: “If you are too busy to kill, you have no time to die.”

A rural portion of Donetk, in the east of Ukraine has become a preparation center for a new influx of foreign volunteers who enlist to fight against Russia-a growing phenomenon, which Ukrainian commanders and a group of Western veterans are now working to turn into a disciplined force.

Ukrainian engineers repair drones for Ukrainian army EPA-EFE

“If you are too busy to kill, you don't have time to die,” Shawn Mcvey cools-with the “Goldfish” call sign-while pursuing a battle scene that takes place in a rap, on the background of a controlled chaos, at sunset.

The explosions cover the scene, in short and burning glitter over a network of trenches dug deep into the Ukrainian soil. Silhouettes with helmets move through fog; They crawl and climb under the fire, their cries mixing with the staccato of the simulated firearms.

“Your job is not to die for Ukraine, but to make sure they die for Russia,” Brad roars, with the “Cazacul” appeal sign, a veteran with 20 years of experience in the US 82 Regiment and the main instructor of the camp.

The training course – a three -week selection process, orchestrated by Mcvey – was created after the 25 -by -air -air -airway brigade, which currently defends the city of Pokrovsk, a crucial area, has aroused over the influx of foreign volunteers.

Many arrived here after a single post on Reddit.

“I contacted the 25 -air -water brigade and I got a telephone interview, a background check – then I was told I can come”, Says Scott, 19 years old, with the “Buffalo” call sign, a fireman from Washington.

If they pass, many hope to specialize as drone pilots – an essential and rapid evolution on the Ukraine Fighting Field.

In a war dominated more and more by drones, play skills have become a surprisingly valuable asset.

“Foreigners usually have a lot of experience in games – and we need it”says Oleg Grabovi, the coordinator of the course, with the “Hazard” appeal indicative. “The dexterity you acquire with an Xbox controller is directly transferred in drone pilot. The best FPV pilot [first-person view] that I have ever met was a tireless player. ”

The Drone War leveled the playground for Ukraine against the upper artillery of Russia. A $ 200 drone can destroy equipment worth hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars. Kiev now intends to produce over 5 million drones alone.

Sam, with the sign “Bambi”, is 20 years old and is a passionate player, recently arrived from Charleston, Georgia. He started with simulations, then participated in drone racing tournaments and says that his experience is finally put into practice.

“In the competition, go through 1.5 meters gates with 160 km/h, making tight corners. Everything is about precision and reflexes. I plan to use everything I learned to help Ukraine.”

“We have little of everything here, from the population of the English -speaking world,” says Mcvey, 33, a former soldier in the 25th US Army Infantry Division. In charge of creating the training program for foreign fighters, Mcvey coordinates a mixture of Americans, Canadians, British, Australians – even a few French and Ukrainians speaking English.

A new influx of foreign volunteers

The recent increase in the number of foreign volunteers coincides with a cooling of US support for Ukraine under the current administration.

“At the outbreak of the war, many people came”, SPut Grabovi. “But in the last two years, the pace has slowed down. Now, in the last two months, it has grown again.”

American citizen of Ukrainian origin, he left his business in Syracuse, New York, to join the Ukrainian army following the large-scale invasion of Russia in March 2022. “You would be surprised to find out how many wine – hundreds and hundreds from all over the world. We receive requests from a lot of young Americans, 18, 19, 20. They believe that their government has abandoned Ukraine.”

As it is left at night, one of the newest recruits, Alex, 25 years old – with the “giggles” sign – comes out of trenches, covered by mud. Social worker and doctor from Toronto arrived three weeks ago.

“I didn't have enough courage to come in the last two years,” he admits. “But the political situation in the US pushed me to the limit. My family thinks I'm crazy – but they support me. I want to help and I feel that my place is here. ”

It is a feeling shared by many in the volunteer gruo. “Bambi” gave up college to join the fight: “I have supported Ukraine from the beginning. I was discouraged by what I saw at the White House. If a person withdraws, the others must take a step forward. I reflected on the idea of ​​coming for a month to make sure it is not just a passing feeling. ”

Those who promote this stage go to a six -week basic training course before specializing. Mcvey emphasizes the importance of combining Ukrainian speaking recruits with the English -speaking, so that they can learn from each other.

“They needed help to distinguish those serious from those handled by fantasies and war tourists,” he explains. “We tell people the empty-goluț truth. If they are not made for this, they are excluded. We reject about 30% and 50%. ”

The striking aspect is that the recruits are very young – most of them just passed by adolescence, with little or without military experience. However, they share the same idealism and sense of urgency triggered by their perception of a collapse of American support for Ukraine.

Scott dreams of a body of drones: “I have been volunteer in a FPV drone factory for a month before you come here. If you are good at flight simulators or helicopter games, you will do well by piloting drones in battle.”

Alex hopes to operate observation drones or even deliver medical supplies in the front line with a drone.

Garreth, with the “Dragon” call sign, a former royal engineer, left his job as a worker in intensive care at NHS in Wales. “I have a diploma in electronic engineering, and the FPV electronics thing is what attracted me here. I can combine my genis experience with electronic engineering skills; it is an interesting period in the field of war and I am a passionate games.”

Overall, the recruits say that they were impressed by the quality of the training and by the instructors themselves.

“I came with low expectations – but the training was amazing,” says Scott.

“Everyone at home told me they would throw me in a trenches and let me die“Adds Alex. “Instead, the instructors and recruits inspired me. They are my brothers now.”

“I don't think about death,” says Scott, shrugging. “If it happens, that's it. We will all die at some point – and we could very die for a good cause. ”

Bambi nods approval. “My mother and dad are not delighted, but I understand. I decided to stay until victory or death – whatever comes first.”