"Come Prepared. This Is War – Not An Adventure" — Crisfaka, a Colombian Volunteer
A certified public accountant by profession and a former Colombian soldier by experience, Crisfaka never expected Ukraine to become the next chapter of his life. Drawn by a desire to make a meaningful contribution, he traveled across the Atlantic to join the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade “Magura” and soon found himself holding the line against relentless Russian assaults.
In this interview, the Columbian reflects on why he came, what life on the front line is really like, and what every foreign volunteer should know before making the same choice.
Decision to Come
Before coming to Ukraine, Crisfaka already had military experience, having served for three years in the Colombian Army. Although he left military service a decade ago, the start of Russia's full-scale invasion prompted him to take up arms once again — this time to stand with Ukraine:
“Why did I decide to come? Because I felt the need to make my own contribution, even if it was only a small one, to help this country. To get to know it, learn something new, and contribute to the people of Ukraine."
Training and Preparation
Upon joining his unit, Crisfaka completed an intensive training program led by Ukrainian instructors together with Colombian veterans. According to the fighter, the preparation gave them a solid foundation before deployment:
"We trained with every type of weapon — from rifles, grenade launchers, and RPGs to anti-tank mines. We got to fire and blow up a little bit of everything. Thank God, we are well prepared now.”
Language and Communication
At first, communication in the Ukrainian unit relied heavily on interpreters. However, after four months in the country, things became much easier:
“Time has helped. We've picked up many words — from basic greetings to how to say 'water.' Little by little, you learn everything.
So now, with gestures and mutual understanding, the interpreter is no longer as essential. We don't need one nearly as often.”
First Combat Deployment
Immediately after completing training, the volunteer was sent on his first mission, which lasted 58 days:
“During that time, we carried out what in Colombia we call 'territorial control,' while here it's called 'holding the line' — guarding a designated area and preventing the enemy from advancing.
In my case, I spent months repelling attacks with my AR-15. We had to fight the Russians in close combat, inflict casualties on them, and constantly deal with drones — there were so many of them.
That's how we managed to hold out for those 58 days."
The Greatest Threat: Drones
According to Crisfaka, drones have become the most dangerous aspect of modern warfare:
"The hardest part is the drones — drones, drones, and more drones.
As for enemy artillery, you can still deal with it because it's not as accurate. But a drone spots you, pinpoints your location, and attacks immediately. At that point, there's almost nothing you can do."
Advice for Future Volunteers
Drawing on his own experience, the Colombian volunteer offers straightforward advice to anyone considering joining the fight in Ukraine:
“Come prepared, understanding that this is real war — not an adventure. We're not here on a walk in the park.
This is war, and it's extremely difficult. But if you do your job well, follow orders, and know how to read the terrain, believe me — you'll make it through and survive.”
Learn more about the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade “Magura” and join on the official website: https://47.army/
Text: Dmytro Tolkachov
Video, photos: Volodymyr Patola, Dmytro Tolkachov
Editing: Oleksandr Bekker
