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Pole claims to be happy fighting separatists in Ukraine

PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge 03.03.2015 15:43
A Polish man who joined Ukrainian soldiers fighting separatists in eastern Ukraine has claimed he has no regrets about his decision to enter the field of combat, as a volatile ceasefire hangs in the balance.
Ukrainian servicemen ride an APC on a road near Donetsk, Ukraine, 02 March 2015. EPA/ANASTASIA VLASOVA Ukrainian servicemen ride an APC on a road near Donetsk, Ukraine, 02 March 2015. EPA/ANASTASIA VLASOVA

The man, who has been fighting under the pseudonym of Polak (Pole), told radio station TOK FM that his motives were ideological.

''I'm not a mercenary – no one is paying me for this,'' he claimed.

''Let's call it volunteering,'' he added.

''Those who know history know that if Russia takes Ukraine, it won't stop there,'' he argued.

''The reality that I'm shooting, and probably killing, well it's just defending the lads, as they are me.

''That's the psychological point of view of the soldier.''

The Polish combatant says he grew tired of civilian life.

''I reached the age of 40 and at a certain point I realised that I didn't want to live solely for the purpose of expanding my bank account.

''I chose this path - I don't regret it.

''I think it's one of the best decisions of my life,'' he claimed.

The Pole acknowledged that acquaintances thought he was crazy to go into combat, and that likewise Ukrainian soldiers were surprised to be joined by an outsider, although they were ''incredibly grateful.

''They were left by themselves, Europe deserted them,'' he added.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire agreed in Minsk on 12 February appears to be holding, with Ukraine reporting no further casualties in recent days, despite a flurry of action in the immediate aftermath of the deal. (nh)

Source: TOK FM

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