A Canadian citizen with no prior military experience has made the bold decision to join the Ukrainian armed forces in their fight against Russian-backed separatists.
Twenty-six-year-old Alexei Kondratyev, originally from Toronto, felt compelled to take action after seeing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite having no formal military training, Kondratyev was determined to make a difference.
“I couldn’t just sit at home and watch the news,” Kondratyev said in an interview with CTV News. “I felt a strong sense of duty to help in any way I could.”
Kondratyev’s journey began when he reached out to the Ukrainian embassy in Canada, expressing his desire to join their forces. After undergoing a rigorous selection process, he was accepted into the Ukrainian army and flew to Ukraine in November 2020.
Since then, Kondratyev has been stationed in the eastern region of Donbas, where the conflict has been ongoing since 2014. He is currently serving as a rifleman in the 128th Mountain Infantry Brigade, a unit that has been heavily involved in the fighting.
Despite the language barrier and cultural differences, Kondratyev has quickly adapted to his new role and has formed strong bonds with his fellow soldiers.
“It’s been challenging, but I’ve received a lot of support from my comrades,” Kondratyev shared. “We may come from different backgrounds, but we all share the same goal of defending Ukraine’s sovereignty.”
Kondratyev’s decision to join the Ukrainian forces has not gone unnoticed. Canadian officials have praised his bravery and dedication, with Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau stating, “We are proud of Canadians like Alexei who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to defend the values of freedom and democracy.”
Kondratyev’s family and friends back in Canada have also expressed their support and admiration for his selfless act.
“I am incredibly proud of my son for following his convictions and making a difference in the world,” Kondratyev’s mother, Maria, said. “He has always been a compassionate and courageous person, and I know he will continue to make a positive impact.”
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Kondratyev remains committed to his mission and hopes to inspire others to take action in whatever way they can.
“I may be just one person, but I believe that every little bit counts,” Kondratyev said. “I hope my story can encourage others to stand up for what they believe in and make a difference in the world.”
