Apex – Demining Expert in Croatia, Drone Pilot in Ukraine
Apex brings five years of experience in demining and explosive ordnance disposal in his native Croatia. Today, he serves as a foreign volunteer in the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign, where he is learning a new skill: operating drones. He also hopes to put his previous experience to use in his service to Ukraine.
His family and friends supported his decision to come to Ukraine. The volunteer’s first impression of the country was also surprisingly familiar: Apex noticed many similarities between Ukrainians and Croatians, from their culture to their languages.
In our conversation, Apex spoke about military training, learning to operate drones, and offered advice to foreigners planning to come to Ukraine and join its defense.
From Demining to Service in Ukraine
Before coming to Ukraine, Apex spent five years working in demining and explosive ordnance disposal:
“I’m a demining specialist. I know a lot about explosive devices and weapons, so my previous experience is a great help in my current service.”
The Croat came to Ukraine not only to help Ukrainians win the war but also to improve his own skills:
“I chose this field based on my previous professional experience, and I want to keep developing my skills. I think that in the future, we’ll have to deal with a large number of drone fragments that haven’t exploded.”
Support from Family and Friends
Apex’s family and friends backed up his decision to come to Ukraine. According to him, they are already used to the fact that his work involves danger:
“I’ve done dangerous work before, so they’re already used to it. They continue to support me, and that means a lot to me.”
Training and Drones
The volunteer has a positive view of military training in Ukraine. Despite the limited time available, he and his fellow soldiers try to make the most of it:
“The basic training here is of a high standard, and we’re learning a lot of new skills.”
A significant part of the training focuses on unmanned aerial vehicles. By this stage, the volunteers have already gained considerable hands-on piloting experience. At the same time, they practice shooting, learn tactical movement, and study navigation, camouflage, and other essential skills.
What Apex enjoys most is operating drones:
“Piloting is really interesting. We carry out many tasks independently, but under the supervision of instructors.”
International Brotherhood
One of the things Apex appreciates about the training is the opportunity to learn alongside people from all over the world:
“I like that people from different countries have come together here. I’ve already met a lot of new friends.”
In his view, many of the foreign volunteers who have come to Ukraine are highly motivated. Although they come from different countries and backgrounds, they share a common goal — helping Ukraine:
“I’d like to have every one of my fellow soldiers by my side in combat. I see great potential in them, and I believe they can make a significant contribution to helping Ukraine.”
First Impressions of Ukraine
Apex’s first perception of Ukraine is tied to the Donbas region and a rainy day:
“I was sitting in a car with a sergeant who had come to pick me up. The weather was terrible. But he was in very good spirits.”
Despite the bad weather, his overall opinion of Ukraine was positive. Apex quickly noticed similarities between Ukrainians and Croatians:
“Overall, my first impression was very good. Ukrainians are similar to Croatians in many ways. The culture is also very similar to Croatian culture. I can even understand quite a few words because our languages are fairly close.”
Advice for Foreign Volunteers
Before arriving in Ukraine, Apex received detailed information about the situation in the country from his recruiter. As a result, preparing for the trip and adjusting to life in Ukraine went smoothly.
He advises future volunteers to plan their journey in advance and listen carefully to their recruiter’s recommendations:
“If you’re planning to come here, I recommend taking care of your travel arrangements in advance and planning your trip carefully.
Most importantly, listen closely to your recruiter before you arrive. They’ll provide a lot of important information that you should know beforehand.”
The Croat also advises volunteers not to be afraid to ask for help once they arrive in Ukraine:
“Everything went smoothly for me because there are many people here who are ready to help.
I didn’t have any problems with paperwork or communicating with other people. Everything went very well.
Just don’t be afraid to ask for help. People will help you.”
Learn more about the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign and join the brigade on its official website: https://28ombr.army/
Text: Dmytro Tolkachov
Video, Photos: Dmytro Tolkachov, Oleksandr Bekker
Editing: Oleksandr Bekker
