We want to pay our last respects to Kapo — a French volunteer who stood in defense of Ukraine’s freedom as part of the 1st International Legion. He didn’t come seeking glory or medals. He came because he believed: truth lives in the fight. What brought him here was the conviction that evil does not retreat on its own — it must be confronted, rifle in hand.
When the Heart Calls
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Kapo was a volunteer — a soldier not by profession, but by calling. He was 32 when he left behind a peaceful life in France to step onto Ukrainian soil. For him, this was not just Ukraine’s war against russia — it was a battle of light against darkness. He believed that if Ukraine fell, the rest of Europe would be next. So he couldn’t stay on the sidelines. He joined the ranks of the brave. Among them was his compatriot Vivi, who remembers Kapo as a man without fear but with a clear sense of purpose:
"He came to us answering the call of duty — an ordinary volunteer, faithful to his convictions and the noble cause of resisting this war that threatens the sovereignty of all Europe. No matter how difficult or long the mission, he always stepped forward. Despite the risks and the constant pressure from the russians, he gave every task his all."
Straight Into Battle
When we spoke with Kapo, he had been in Ukraine for three months. It was a demanding time — a relentless wave of russian attacks trying to breach Ukrainian defenses. There was no time to hesitate — the front needed immediate action.
And Kapo didn’t hesitate. With the same conviction that had brought him here, he went from training range to combat missions — joining the line that holds back russia day after day. Bons, the commander of his unit, recalls him with deep respect as a man of deeds, not words: "There are those who talk — and those who act. Kapo was one of the latter. He was always kind to his comrades, always ready to help and support. He saved our section’s honor more than once, and he fell as a true soldier — brave and heroic. He took pride in his legionnaire’s beret, always carrying it in his right pocket when heading into battle."
Kapo International Legion
Always with a Smile
Reconstructing Kapo’s image in his mind, Bons doesn’t hold back his warmth. He remembers his brother-in-arms as a vibrant soul who, even in the darkest hours, could make others laugh. That image lives in Vivi’s memory too: "Kapo gave everything he had — and did it with a smile. Living and working alongside him was a joy. He knew how to lift our spirits and was always ready to lend a hand. He’ll remain in our hearts as a courageous friend. We’ll miss his smile. He earned his place in the great Legion family — and the respect that comes with it."
His Moral Compass
Kapo came to Ukraine guided by a deep personal conviction: to stop a modern incarnation of totalitarianism. To him, this war was a continuation of the historical resistance once led by the French Resistance during World War II. Like those before him, he chose to fight evil — not by command, but by calling: "My main motivation is ideological," Kapo explained. "To prevent russia from invading further into Europe. Ukraine is Europe's protective wall against russia. The Ukrainian army is the last barrier before russia can push deeper."
A Quiet Hero
Before the war, Kapo lived a humble life. He was a sanitation worker — riding the garbage trucks that cleared his town’s streets. And when russia invaded Ukraine, he kept on that path: clearing away filth. But this time, it wasn’t waste on the curb — it was the destructive force that crossed Ukraine’s border, daring to call itself human.
His work had always been unnoticed but essential — one of those roles invisible until left undone. Thanks to people like Kapo, the streets stayed clean and order prevailed over chaos. It was honest work — without glory, but for the good of others. "That was who Kapo was", recalls Tim, his brother-in-arms: "Kapo was a simple man — always ready to act. Always ready to help. He was loyal and gave everything he had to complete the mission. Soldiers like him are worth their weight in gold."
Behind Every Fighter — a Family’s Fear
Kapo’s family was deeply shaken by his decision to go to war. Everyone knew what it meant — the risk, the unknown, the possibility that each new day might bring devastating news. But despite that fear, Kapo left his old life behind because he simply couldn’t look away.
In a foreign land, among strangers, he found a second family. Among the legionnaires, he found brothers — not by blood, but through something stronger: shared struggle and the willingness to give their lives not only for their own people, but for all who want to be free. One of those brothers was Nico, who speaks of Kapo with deep sorrow and heartfelt gratitude: "Thank you, brother, for coming to Ukraine to defend freedom — and at the same time becoming my family. You were a decent man and a good soldier! We’ll miss you terribly. Our laughter will never sound the same again. May God receive you and keep you in His care."
To Bons, Kapo also wasn’t just a fellow fighter — he became a younger brother, loved and respected by all in the unit. His death is a heavy loss, but his memory will live on: "War took him," Bons says, "but it will never take his name." Tim adds, "We’ll never forget him. He was, and always will be, one of us — like a true brother."
Independent Thinking Over Propaganda
Kapo was disheartened to see that many in France still supported russia — knowingly or not. He saw propaganda as the root of it all — an invisible weapon that works as powerfully as any missile. Disguised as "alternative opinion," it sows confusion, defends aggression, and makes evil seem acceptable. That’s why having a personal opinion was so crucial to him. He urged others to resist the current of media noise. As he put it: "The most important thing is to have your own point of view. I advise everyone to do the same. Don’t obey blindly. Think and keep growing intellectually. Avoid watching TV."
And these weren’t just words — they were the personal philosophy of a man who made his choice and was ready to pay the ultimate price for it.
Text: Dmytro Tolkachov
Photos & Video: Volodymyr Patola
Video editing: Oleksandr Los
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