Vilao: From a Mechanic in Brazil to a Ukrainian Soldier
“We’re building a wall that must be impenetrable”
Thirty-year-old Vilao had never served in the military. He worked as a fuel pump mechanic in Brazil before moving to France, where he trained and worked in construction. But after following the news about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he decided to come and help those who are unable to defend themselves.
Today, the Brazilian serves with the 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade. He talks about how someone with no military experience makes the journey from civilian life to becoming a soldier, why his fellow soldiers have become his family, and what future volunteers should be prepared for.
Motivation to Come
After constantly seeing reports of the atrocities committed by Russian forces during the invasion, Vilao realized that he could not simply stand by:
“I never agreed with what was happening, and I never even considered simply accepting the situation as it was, knowing that I was healthy, of the right age, and had the opportunity to help.
And that became my greatest motivation — to help those who have no way to defend themselves.”
The Brigade and His Comrades
According to Vilao, the brigade makes every effort to establish effective communication with foreign servicemen. In his view, this makes more than 70% of what they need to do here easier. It was also the brigade’s attitude toward its servicemen that led the Brazilian to choose the 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade:
“They care about the soldier’s well-being during training, help you adapt to the team and reach the required level of preparation, even if you have never had anything to do with the military before.”
Speaking about his comrades, Vilao says that he supports every one of them and that they get along very well, united by a common goal:
“I came here understanding that, if necessary, I would give my life for them, and I know that they are equally ready to give theirs for me.
Of course, there are jokes and minor arguments, but that’s something all people have. But here, we consider each other brothers. When one person needs something, another reaches out to help, and that’s how we’re building a wall that, God willing, will be impenetrable.”
Training
Since arriving in Ukraine, the Brazilian volunteer has been training continuously. He completed training with the brigade, preceded by two months of basic military training:
“I consider this training one of the most comprehensive I have ever seen, and now I’m taking part in it myself.
It’s training that truly shapes you as a soldier, while also giving you basic combat medic skills: you learn how to save your comrade, overcome fear, psychological barriers, stress, and the consequences of injuries.
I believe that the training here has become the foundation of who I am today.”
Plans for the Future
Vilao intends to continue serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as long as everything works out. What keeps him in the military above all are the people — the comrades he serves alongside:
“I consider the people I live and serve with — my comrades in the brigade — my family. The bonds we build over time become incredibly strong.”
Advice to Future Volunteers
For those planning to come to Ukraine to join its defenders, Vilao advises them to prepare as thoroughly as possible:
“Physical preparation isn’t just about strength. You also need to do a lot of cardio training, because that’s what you’ll need most. Your ‘engines’ here are your legs.
Don’t expect to always have armored transport or to always be able to move around in it. Your legs are what will help you make it back alive.
So train, get stronger, prepare yourself, because, as I’ve already said, this is not a game, it’s not a joke, and it’s not easy.”
Learn more about the 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and join the brigade on its official website: https://159ombr.army/#awb-oc__215
Text: Dmytro Tolkachov
Video: Dmytro Tolkachov, Oleksandr Bekker
Editing: Oleksandr Bekker
