BRUSSELS (Brussels Morning) – First aid forces to leave the Ukrainian embassy in Uccle on Thursday afternoon for the conflict in Ukraine. Many are willing to fight there. Dozens of men said goodbye to their concerned relatives. “The outcome of this war is too important.”
There were many mixed feelings among the people at the Ukrainian embassy. Small groups of volunteers were taken away to provide aid in Ukraine. Journalists appealed to every articulate volunteer. In addition, a group of five people sat in silence on their army bags. No photos, no questions, no interviews. To protect their own safety, they prefer to remain anonymous.
“We are all European”
In the first place, these people were recruited to provide assistance in the conflict zone. “I think it is very logical that we are afraid. I go there to provide medical help, that’s what I’m trained for. Not for more,” says T.
The army pockets, the tattoos of guns and the knives in their holsters make many suspect that there will also be fighting. It was clear that everyone was convinced that they would also have to bring out the weapons. Malinois Ward was rocking nervously back and forth on the stairs at the registration point. “I don’t like being on the sidelines at such big events. Putin commits an illegal attack on the Ukrainian people. The outcome of this war is too important. If Putin loses in Ukraine, he can be replaced faster.” Ward, unlike T, does have military experience.
Both men have no Ukrainian roots. “I think this link is enough: we are all Europeans,” says T. silently.
Support or struggle
In their pockets the men had their warmest clothes and often a knife, just to be safe. What they will find in Ukraine, what they will have to do and how they should prepare is already clearer for some than for others. Welder Vladimir, from Kortrijk, wants to rolled up his sleeves. Helping rebuild the affected areas and further limit the havoc. His wife was anxiously sitting on the sidewalk. With a frightened look she constantly looked at the scene around her.
Vladimir was not afraid. He does leave family behind here, but the feeling to help his homeland was currently stronger. “When the attacks took place in Brussels, I saw the pain in the people of Brussels. I felt it less then, but understood your grief. Now my Ukrainian heart is bleeding. I also understand that you may not understand why we are returning to Ukraine.”
Ervins from Brussels, who came to register two days ago, also arrived. His smile proved he’s ready. “People like me, with a lot of military experience, are desperately needed.” His friends and business partners were a lot less enthusiastic about his departure. “They tried to change my mind all the time. But my bag was ready before the call from the embassy, there was no turning back for me.” He will be available by phone. In his opinion, he will even have some time to continue running his business.
Choose sides
At a quiet moment, Vladimir asked how most Belgians viewed the war. “Belgium must make decisions faster and decide which side of the war it wants to be on,” he said. “I registered here on Sunday. I had to wait too long.” He gave his wife a goodbye kiss, she looked sad. How will the journey of these men continue after that is still unclear.
