Brazilian volunteers battle Russian soldiers in Donbas using rocket launchers and rifles

They left their homes in Brazil to join the fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and now they are risking their lives on the front line in Donbas.

A group of Brazilian volunteers, who call themselves the “Green Brigade”, have been fighting alongside Ukrainian forces in the eastern region of Luhansk oblast, which is mostly controlled by Russian-backed separatists.

The volunteers, who have military or firearms experience, say they are motivated by a sense of justice and solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who are facing a brutal aggression from their powerful neighbor.

In a video obtained by the Daily Mail, the Brazilians can be seen storming a building held by Russian soldiers in the town of Kreminna, using rocket launchers and rifles. They also defend their dug-out from enemy fire, shouting “Glory to Ukraine!” and “Glory to the heroes!”

One of the volunteers, who identified himself as Saulo, said: “We are here to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are not mercenaries, we are not paid, we are not sponsored by anyone. We are just friends who share the same values and ideals.”

He added: “We have seen the atrocities committed by the Russian army and their proxies. They have killed thousands of civilians, destroyed homes, hospitals, schools. They have violated human rights and international law. They have no respect for the Ukrainian people and their culture. They want to erase their identity and history.”

Saulo said he and his comrades had received training and weapons from the Ukrainian army, as well as support from local residents, who welcomed them as brothers.

“We have a good relationship with the Ukrainian soldiers and the people. They are very hospitable and grateful. They call us ‘green brothers’, because of our flag and our uniforms. They also teach us some Ukrainian words and songs. We feel like we are part of their family.”

The Brazilian volunteers are among the thousands of foreign fighters who have joined the war in Donbas, which has claimed more than 50,000 lives since 2014.

According to the Ukrainian foreign ministry, more than 20,000 volunteers from over 50 countries have applied to join the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, a corps launched to help fend off the invasion. However, only a few hundred have actually made it to the front line, due to logistical and legal challenges.

The war in Donbas has escalated since February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale offensive against Ukraine, after years of covert intervention and hybrid warfare. Russia has captured most of the south and east of the country, including the strategic port city of Mariupol and the industrial hub of Donetsk.

Ukraine has managed to stop the Russian advance in the north and west, with the help of NATO and other allies, who have provided military aid and diplomatic support. The conflict has also sparked a global crisis, with sanctions, cyberattacks, and threats of nuclear war.

The Brazilian volunteers say they are aware of the risks and the challenges, but they are determined to continue their fight until the end.

“We know that we are facing a powerful enemy, who has more resources and weapons. We know that we can die any day. But we are not afraid. We have faith in God and in our cause. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for freedom and democracy. We are ready to make history.”