For German volunteer Rebel, the road to Ukraine began not with military experience, but with conversations. After working alongside Ukrainians in Germany and later teaching English and German to Ukrainian students, he heard firsthand about the war and the lives it had disrupted. He initially came to help civilians, but their stories eventually convinced him to take a more direct role.
Today, Rebel serves in Ukraine’s Armed Forces and has joined a drone unit, where his experience as a mechanic and electrician has found a new purpose. He speaks about his family’s initial concerns, the training that made him stronger and more disciplined, his plans to extend his service, and why he believes Germany should do more to support Ukraine.
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Coming to Ukraine
Rebel has parents and other relatives in Germany, is married and has two children. His family initially opposed his decision to come to Ukraine, but after many conversations and explanations about why he was there and what he was doing, they eventually accepted it.
His decision to come to Ukraine was influenced by Ukrainian colleagues he had worked with in an electrician company in Germany:
“They told me a lot about the country, the problems and the war, and I wanted to help the people.”
The German had no previous military experience. When he first arrived, his intention was to help civilians rather than become a soldier. He worked at a school, teaching English and German to students who wanted to go to Germany to study:
“Then I had a lot of contact with civilian people here and I heard their stories. So, eventually I wanted to stand for them and fight for them.”
Training and preparation
For Rebel, military training has been important not only for developing physical fitness but also for building mental strength:
“The benefits for me are being physically fit and mentally strong. And it's good training to prepare us, the soldiers, for the front line and to fight.”
He believes that those planning to come to Ukraine do not necessarily need extensive military preparation beforehand:
“You don't need much to come here. The most important requirement is to have at least a basic level of physical fitness.”
How the war changed him
His time on the battlefields of the russis-Ukraine war has already changed Rebel both physically and morally. He says he has developed a genuine attachment to military life:
“I'm more disciplined. I'm physically and mentally stronger, and I like to be a soldier.”
Plans for the future
The volunteer says he is considering extending his service when his current contract ends. Although he wants to remain in Ukraine, he also plans to return to Germany from time to time to spend time with his family:
“And I like to stay here. Sometimes I will go back to Germany with my family, and I like to stay here.”
A message to Germans
Having sacrificed so much for Ukraine and Europe’s freedom, Rebel has a message for his fellow Germans:
“You should support Ukraine more. Military, with weapons and also financially.”
A message to the enemy
When asked what he would say to an enemy who might be watching the interview, the German keeps his answer brief and confident:
“Message for my enemy? What can I say? See you soon. At the front line.”
Learn more about foreign volunteers in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and join on the official website.
Text: Dmytro Tolkachov
Interviewed by: Yevhen Maliyenko
Video: Oleksandr Los
Editing: Oleksandr Bekker
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