Former Chilean cop sells truck, travels to Ukraine and joins the Foreign Legion

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin first announced the illegal invasion of Ukraine, thousands of volunteers from around the world have heeded Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky’s call to join Ukraine’s International Legion and fight off Putin’s “bloodthirsty guys” and “extremists.”

So far, around 20,000 international volunteers have taken up arms throughout Ukraine – but a 46-year-old former Chilean police officer and medic is making headlines after selling his work truck in order to travel 8,000 miles to join the fight against the Kremlin’s occupying force.

In an interview with La Cuarta, Luis Lagos described how a visit to the Ukrainian Embassy in Santiago led him to sell his truck, buy a ticket to Germany (where he acclimated himself to the cold) and eventually enter Ukraine to join the International Legion.

Furthermore, he described the horrifying conditions he witnessed on the ground in Ukraine, recounting how the Yavoriv Base where he is stationed was recently hit by Russian bombs.

"It was bombed and 30 people were killed, and one cannot explain the impression of seeing airplanes and hearing the sound of explosions,” Lagos recalled. "Neither 3D visuals nor surround sound can compare to what the war sounds like in real life, more so if this is close to where you are.”

"For me it is a pride to be from Iquique and a privilege to be here in Ukraine. I did not come to a party or to Lollapalooza here in Ukraine. It is a completely serious situation, last night they attacked a camp nearby where a hundred people were killed,” he added.

When asked about his impressions about Russian soldiers and their role in the conflict, Lagos warned, “the Russians shoot to kill when they take a city. They don’t care if it’s a mother with a child, they shoot to kill.”

Upon seeing the pain and suffering on the news, Lagos realized he had to help.

"I thought to myself, like all people, I have made mistakes, but I have also gained a lot of experience in various fields. I never knew where I could use these skills. Now I know how I can be useful, life really is very clever and always provides opportunities to help,” he said.

Lagos also explained that his happiness is not linked to material things – but rather making a difference in the world.

“Many people are happy buying a new Mercedes Benz, but as a 46-year-old man, I am just happy to know that I am doing my part. I am the only Chilean in the Legion and I feel proud,” he explained.

The former police officer also put out a call to other service veterans from around the world, asking them to join the fight for a free Ukraine.

"I invite whoever feels called, with a moral duty to do it, everyone can collaborate in helping whoever needs it,” he said.