The British Poles had the privilege of interviewing Robert – a Polish soldier who joined the Ukrainian army at the beginning of the Russian aggression on Ukraine. He will tell you about everyday life at war and his other activities which can make Polish people proud to fight for freedom around Europe. 

Robert has been fighting in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine since March 2022. His combat route took him through the defence of Kyiv, Bucha, Severodonetsk, Irpin and Bakhmut. He was wounded three times. Robert was also decorated three times for his bravery on the battlefield. 

British Poles: What was your main motivation to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine?

Robert: I decided to go to Ukraine when I heard information about the creation of an international legion in Ukraine. I had previously served in the Polish Army, but I was dismissed from professional service due to the „liquidation of my post”( such documents were officially presented to me). I could not quite come to terms with the commander’s decision, as I was very committed to serving in the Polish Army, as evidenced by my military reputation. When I left for civilian life I continued training, attended the shooting range and remained interested in military life. So one could say „I left the army, but the army never left me.”

BP: What was the reaction of your relatives?

R: My relatives advised me against going to Ukraine and at the same time supported me in the fact that I made such a decision. I would like to say that I took this decision emotionally. When those close to me asked me „What if you get your leg cut off?”, I couldn’t give a straight answer. I did not think about it and at the same time, I had no doubts about my decision. At the beginning of the war, I participated in the defence of Kiev. I went to defensive positions to Irpen and Bucha. After seeing with my own eyes the civilians killed in the streets and all the dead animals, I became even more firm in my convictions.

BP: Please tell us more about your everyday service.

R: I serve in the HUR International Legion. Everyone in my unit is a volunteer. We also have Ukrainian soldiers in our ranks. The biggest motivation for my Ukrainian colleagues to fight the Russians is to defend their own homes and to stop the Russians from invading Ukraine. I, in defending Ukraine, am aware that it would be better for Poland and Europe if the war was stopped in Ukraine far from our borders. I hope to never see anything the Russians are doing in Ukraine happen to my own country.

BP: What is your way to drop the pressure if there is enough time to rest?

R: After completing my rotation at the front, I have time to rest, prepare my equipment and get ready for the next rotation. Last time I was able to take part in an honour run of 10km, in memory of a Ukrainian Legion soldier who was killed by the Russians in Severodonetsk. This man motivated people to defend the country during his lifetime and, leaving a quiet life, volunteered for the army.

BP: Are there any other specific activities you engage with while staying in Ukraine?

R: In addition to my military service, I am also active as a volunteer. I work with the Igor Tracz’s Foundation and the „W międzyczasie” Foundation. With Igor’s team, we jointly feed homeless animals that live in the war zone. With this foundation, I recently took part in the evacuation of a family from a frontline village. This foundation is involved in helping animals, civilians but also the military. The „W międzyczasie” foundation, on the other hand, is a group of Polish combat medics who, since the beginning of the war, have been constantly rescuing wounded soldiers on the front line.  We often exchange the experiences we gain on the frontline.

I started my service in Ukraine in March 2022. I was not getting support from Poland. It wasn’t until I met people from the foundations mentioned above that I knew I had someone I could count on. I also met a volunteer, Aldona Hartwinska, who organises fundraising in Poland for those helping in Ukraine. Aldona also organised such action for me. If the collection goes well, the funds taken will be used to purchase professional military equipment to help me perform my combat tasks. If any of you would like to support me in my activities, I encourage you to make a symbolic donation to the collection account. If any of you would like to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, I also recommend the collections of the “W międzyczasie” Foundation and the Igor Tracz Foundation.

If this interests you too, I am also visiting Polish cemeteries in Ukraine. If I survive another rotation at the front, I intend to go to Volhynia. So far I have been to the cemetery in Lviv twice. And once in Kharkiv at the Cemetery of Victims of Totalitarianism. Over 4,000 Polish officers murdered by the NKVD in 1940 are buried there.

BP: Thank you for your answers. 

R: Thank you.

As Robert continues his fight in Ukraine’s Armed Forces ranks, we can aid his efforts by donating to a dedicated funds collection at zrzutka.pl. We can also support Polish battlefield medics in Ukraine at pomagam.pl.

Interviewed by Tomasz Modrzejewski