American media sources have reported that dozens of U.S. veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have joined the conflict in Ukraine, while many others are preparing to travel to the country to fight against Russian forces, according to the American newspaper "The New York Times." Journalistic sources estimate that around 1,600 American fighters have entered Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Prime Minister. An official noted that 3,000 American volunteers would participate in an international battalion to resist Russian forces.
The newspaper highlighted retiree Hector, who served in Iraq as a Marine, then returned, obtained a pension, and took a civilian job, believing he was done with military service. However, on Friday, he boarded a plane for another deployment this time as a volunteer in Ukraine. He inspected several bags filled with rifle scopes, helmets, and bulletproof vests donated by veterans. The former Marine, who lives in Florida, stated, "I can help now," like others who were interviewed.
According to the report, Hector is one of a group of American veterans who say they are now preparing to join the fight in Ukraine, following an invitation from President Volodymyr Zelensky, who announced earlier this week that he was in the process of establishing an "International Legion." He called on volunteers from around the world to help defend his nation against Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba echoed the call to fighters, stating on Twitter, "Together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin, too."
Hector hopes to train Ukrainians, sharing his expertise in armored vehicles and heavy weapons. He added, "Many veterans feel called to serve, and we have trained our entire careers for this kind of warfare. It has been hard for me to sit and do nothing!"
Across the United States, small groups of military veterans are gathering and planning to obtain passports. After years of service in military professions, many are eager for what they see as a righteous battle to defend freedom against an authoritarian aggressor with a traditional and well-equipped army. David Ribardo, a former U.S. Army officer who now owns a property management company in Allentown, Pennsylvania, commented, "It’s a conflict with a clear good and bad side, and it may differ from recent conflicts. I watch what’s happening and I just want to get a rifle and go there."
Following the Russian invasion, veterans have been noted flooding social media excited to join the fight. Several major media outlets, including Military Times and Time, have published steps to join the military in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has instructed interested volunteers to contact its consulates this week. Many veterans who reached out to consulates this week reported that they are still waiting for a response, believing that staff are overwhelmed coordinating the situation.
