Clark Kent, Brazil: “I Can’t Imagine Life Without Military Service”

He is 26 years old and comes from Brazil. He chose the callsign "Clark Kent" as a reference to the most famous superhero of all time—the native of the planet Krypton who hides extraordinary abilities beneath the appearance of an ordinary man. In the military, the idea is much the same: what matters is not words, but the willingness to act, and an ordinary person can become a hero when the moment demands it.

Before coming to Ukraine, the volunteer had already received military training in Brazil. However, he gained his first real combat experience in Ukraine while serving with the 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

Clark had lived in Poland for some time, and during a trip to Lviv he met Ukrainians. There he witnessed the impact of Russian aggression on people's lives, which, he says, ultimately motivated him to join the fight against the Russian invaders:

"Ukrainians are an incredibly welcoming and friendly people. They treated me with great warmth and sincerely accepted me.

Seeing the injustice they were facing, I realized I couldn't just stand by and watch.

That's why I decided to fight side by side with Ukrainian soldiers."

Although Clark is fighting for Ukraine's future, his connection to his homeland remains very strong. According to him, one of the reasons he joined the 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade was the opportunity to serve alongside fellow Brazilians:

"I chose this brigade because there are many Brazilians serving here. It makes communication much easier, and during combat that's extremely important."

Even though they are foreigners serving in a Ukrainian brigade, Clark and his comrades quickly became part of the unit. They work seamlessly with their Ukrainian brothers-in-arms and function as one team:

"We Brazilians have no problems because communication among us is very well established. As for the Ukrainians, I can see that they do everything they can to maintain good cooperation. Despite the language barrier, we've never had any difficulties communicating."

Clark completed military training in Brazil, but he admits it is not enough for the realities of modern warfare, where drones play a crucial role and the nature of combat is constantly evolving.

That is why the training he received in Ukraine has been especially valuable. Thanks to it, he feels much more confident and better prepared for today's battlefield:

"The training I received here in the brigade, as well as during Basic General Military Training, was extremely comprehensive.

We studied tactical combat casualty care, tactical maneuvers, marksmanship, movement techniques, counter-drone tactics, and much more.

It's high-quality, well-rounded training that I'm confident will prove invaluable on the front line."

The volunteer says he cannot imagine himself outside military service. He sees it not simply as a job or a temporary stage in life, but as an integral part of who he is. He intends to continue serving, taking only short breaks when necessary to recover:

"Of course, war is exhausting—both physically and mentally. That's why I plan to take some leave for a while.

I've already started applying for a residence permit and a Ukrainian visa so I'll be able to spend some time resting here in Ukraine, because it's a very beautiful country.

But after my break, I intend to return to service. I have no plans to leave military life."

Despite all the hardships, the Brazilian is convinced that he made the right choice. At the same time, he has a message for those who are only beginning to consider coming to Ukraine: such a decision must be made consciously and responsibly.

War is not something that can be understood through social media videos. Anyone planning to take this step should honestly assess the risks and be prepared for the reality of the front line:

"To everyone who wants to come and fight in Ukraine, I want to say this: it won't be easy. The situation here is very serious.

Sometimes people watch videos on Instagram or YouTube and think that's exactly what it's like. My advice is to fully understand where you're going and what you may face, so you don't end up regretting your decision.

And to those who, fully aware of everything happening here, still decide to come—I sincerely admire your courage."

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, Photos: Dmytro Tolkachov, Oleksandr Bekker

Editing: Oleksandr Bekker