He Rescued People in Rio de Janeiro — Now He Serves in Ukraine’s Military

A 25-year-old Brazilian serviceman with the call sign “Mamba” came to Ukraine from Rio de Janeiro. In Brazil, he worked as a civilian rescuer, helping people in emergency situations, providing first aid to the injured, and preventing accidents.

In Ukraine, he decided to pursue his long-standing dream of military service and put his professional experience to use as a serviceman of the 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

The Brazilian volunteer talks about why he chose this particular unit, how military training helped him develop his professional skills, and what impressed him most about Ukrainians.

He always wanted to be a soldier

Mamba decided to come to Ukraine to support Ukrainians in their fight against Russian aggression. At the same time, he finally found an opportunity to combine his professional experience as a rescuer with his long-standing dream of becoming a serviceman:

“I always wanted to become a military firefighter, but I wasn’t able to fulfill that dream in Brazil. So when I had the opportunity to serve here in Ukraine, I decided to take it.

Now I can help civilians while also serving in the military. I have always wanted to help others, so now I feel that I have become part of this effort.”

Why the 159th

Mamba chose the 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade after seeing videos online about the Falcon Battalion, a unit for foreign volunteers within the brigade. He was particularly interested in the story of another Brazilian who came to fight in Ukraine and later returned home:

“I saw that one Brazilian came to Ukraine to fight and was later able to return to Brazil. That convinced me even more that I could come here to help and then return home alive.

I consider this unit reliable. So for me, it is a good choice to pursue my military path here, despite all the risks that come with it.”

Training and new skills

Mamba’s experience as a rescuer in Rio de Janeiro provided a solid foundation for his work in the military. He already had experience providing assistance to the injured, but military service requires additional knowledge and skills. His training in Ukraine helped him expand his professional expertise:

“Thanks to the training I received here, I was able to improve my skills. Here, I learned everything I need to do my job well in any situation.”

Mamba also emphasizes the importance of basic military training. In his view, going to war without the necessary knowledge and skills is extremely dangerous:

“If I hadn’t taken this course and had gone to war without the necessary training, it would have been like suicide — going to the front without knowing what to do. Basic military training is the right step to be prepared for all of this.”

At the same time, Mamba speaks positively about the training conditions and food. He says he has everything he needs to stay strong and do his job well:

“I have nothing to complain about. I am treated the way I should be so that I can do my job well. As for the food — it’s great. It’s not some kind of slop, but real, proper food that helps us stay strong.”

How he sees Ukraine

One of the things that truly impressed Mamba when he came to Ukraine was the character of its people. He speaks about their resilience, their ability not to give up, and their determination to keep fighting even in the most difficult circumstances:

“I liked how resilient people are here. They don’t lower their heads. They go into battle with all their strength, courage, and bravery.”

For Mamba, serving in Ukraine is not only a new experience but also the fulfillment of a dream he has had for a long time. He says that his desire to serve others is what brought him to the war:

“Today I am here and I am fulfilling my dream. I am not afraid of what is happening. I know that this has always been my desire — to serve in the war, to serve people, and to fight on the right side — for Ukraine.”

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