On February 27, 2022, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, appealed to foreign citizens with a call to join the struggle for freedom. Over the course of three years, thousands of foreign volunteers from more than 55 countries around the world heeded the call. They stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainian soldiers in the fight for Ukraine’s independence and the freedom of the world. Volunteers from Latin America are among them.
As part of the "FOR FREEDOM" exhibition, dedicated to every foreign defender of Ukraine, a meeting took place where fighters from Brazil, who are currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, were speakers.
The defenders shared how they learned about the beginning of the full-scale invasion, their first emotions—shock, pain, and a sense of injustice. They spoke about the decision that changed their lives forever: to leave their native Brazil, bid farewell to their relatives, and go to what seemed like someone else’s war.
Did their families support their decision? Some understood them, while others tried to dissuade them.
They spoke about the enemy—not as an abstract force, but as a cynical and cruel adversary without honor, ruining the lives of peaceful people, and coming not as an army, but as a horde.
Brazilian volunteers have been stationed in the Serebrianskyi Forest for 14 months.
Particular attention was paid to the international perception of the war.
The defenders emphasized that the world still has not fully realized the scale of this struggle. Ukraine fights not only for its own freedom but stands as a bulwark for the entire democratic world.
They also highlighted the necessity of bringing the truth to Latin America and spoke about ways to change the perception of this war among their compatriots.
Despite the fatigue, wounds, and fallen friends, they do not regret their choice. Some do not see their future without Ukraine. The land they are fighting for has become dear to them.
The meeting was not just a conversation. These were voices of people who consciously left their peaceful lives and homes to come to war. They made their choice for the greater good, and today, through their example, they are proving that the struggle for freedom has no borders, and true warriors are not born on common land but in a common cause.
