After years in Brazil’s fire and rescue services, 34-year-old volunteer with the callsign “Trasante” came to Ukraine from the southern state of Santa Catarina to defend a cause he believes in — and to gain firsthand experience of one of the most intense battlefields of modern warfare.
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Serving with the 159th Mechanized Brigade, he trains alongside Ukrainian and foreign soldiers, bringing years of emergency-response experience while absorbing new skills from professionals from around the world. For him, Ukraine is more than a place to serve: it is a unique school of modern warfare.
Background and Motivation
A former Brazilian serviceman, Trasante spent one year in the Brazilian Army before leaving to join the Fire Department. He has since worked in the Brazilian Military Firefighters Corps for 12 years, specializing in emergency response and rescue.
For the past eight years, Trasante has also focused on training people in urban rescue and remote-area operations. He received medical and rescue training in Brazil that he would like to share in Ukraine as a combat medic:
“I came because I saw an opportunity here not only to defend an ideal of freedom that I share, but also to deepen my knowledge of what is currently the bloodiest war in modern history.”
Arrival and Training in Ukraine
The Brazilian signed his contract in Ukraine in March, 2026. Since then, he has been undergoing training, including Basic General Military Training, formation training, and instruction in his particular specialty:
“From the very beginning, Ukraine provides an extensive training schedule to ensure that its soldiers do not go to the front without any understanding of what is happening.”
Safety is a priority throughout the training process:
“We have exercises with live ammunition, as well as exercises using airsoft and paintball. All the equipment provided to the training teams is high quality. We receive all the necessary attention and support from the very first day. Medical assistance is also immediately available if someone is injured.”
The brigade he chose to serve with has another advantage for him: its immediate commanders are Brazilian. The training system is adapted to the nationality of the trainees:
“My commanders are from Brazil, so I have no difficulties either with learning or with training. Our senior commanders are Ukrainian, but they make every effort to ensure that we understand all orders and instructions.
Despite the language barrier, I have never felt excluded because I did not understand an order. On the contrary, both Ukrainian and foreign military personnel here place great importance on effective communication.”
An International Force with a Common Purpose
Trasante serves with the 159th Mechanized Brigade, which has two battalions for foreign personnel — one for Spanish and another for Portuguese speakers:
“Everyone who comes here has their own particular ideals and motivations. But the common purpose is to oppose the movement taking place against Ukrainian freedom.”
For him, the international character of the force is an important part of the experience:
“We are professionals from different parts of the world fighting for the same ideal. Everyone is making an effort, each according to their own abilities, to improve and provide the best possible service in support of the cause.”
Impressions of Ukraine
Trasante’s first impression of Ukraine was also shaped by the country's organization and hospitality:
“When I arrived in Ukraine, I already had a specific place to go. I had geolocation points prepared in case of an emergency and emergency contacts both with people here and with people in Brazil.”
The Brazilian describes Ukraine as a very beautiful country whose culture immediately caught his attention. Despite the war, he found the people remarkably hospitable:
“Everywhere we go, including shops and other businesses, people quickly recognize that we are foreigners. They make an effort to ensure that we can communicate effectively, whether we are ordering food, asking for water, or simply trying to get something done. Their hospitality is captivating.”
He was also struck by the level of security and the constant police presence in the streets:
“Despite the war, the number of ordinary urban crimes here is very low, so security is another thing that caught my attention.”
The Resilience of Ukrainians
But what impressed the volunteer most was the determination of Ukrainians:
“Today, we see people training on shooting ranges nearby who could have left the country and abandoned it. But they are still here, defending their ideals and their people. That is very motivating.”
Living with the War
The one thing Trasante dislikes about Ukraine is the war itself:
“Although war may create certain opportunities, it also deprives people of ordinary pleasures available in countries at peace.”
Nighttime curfews, air-raid alarms, and the need to seek shelter are part of everyday life:
“Even in a relatively safe city, there is a constant tension because an attack can happen at any moment.”
What Comes Next
Looking toward the future, the Brazilian sees Ukraine as a rich source of professional learning:
“We have the opportunity here to learn and work alongside highly skilled professionals from many different countries. Even the language differences expand our vocabulary and create opportunities to work internationally.”
For now, his intention is to continue learning for the duration of his contract. Having already spent eight years training professionals, he wants to continue working in that field. Trasante would also consider staying in Ukraine and passing on the knowledge he has acquired:
“With the experience, I acquired here in Ukraine, many doors will open.”
However, his guiding principle remains the same:
“To serve and protect.”
Learn more about foreign volunteers in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and join on the official website.
Learn more about the 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and join the brigade on its official website.
Text: Dmytro Tolkachov
Video: Dmytro Tolkachov, Oleksandr Bekker
Editing: Oleksandr Bekker
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