Krisfaka, a former Colombian Army serviceman, joined the Magura brigade after 10 years of civilian life.

The interview with the soldier was published by the International Legion.

According to the volunteer, Russian drones have become the greatest challenge for him on the modern battlefield.

Krisfaka once served for three years in the Armed Forces of Colombia. However, after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he decided to take up arms again to support Ukraine.

«I felt the need to make my contribution, to help this country. I wanted to get to know it better, learn something new, and help the Ukrainian people,» the soldier recalls.

After arriving at the unit, the Colombian underwent intensive training under the guidance of Ukrainian instructors and Colombian veterans.

The training covered handling various types of weapons.

«We were given the opportunity to shoot and blow up a bit of everything. Thank God, we were well prepared,» the serviceman said.

Krisfaka’s first combat deployment lasted 58 days. His unit held a designated section of the front and contained the advance of Russian forces.

«In Colombia we call it ‘controlling the territory,’ but here it’s ‘holding the defense,’» Krisfaka compares.

According to him, during this time the servicemen had to repel Russian attacks, engage in close combat, and constantly counter enemy drones.

Krisfaka names drones as the main threat on the modern battlefield.

«The hardest part is the drones. Drones, drones, and more drones. You can still survive artillery, because it’s not as precise. But a drone spots you, pinpoints your location, and attacks immediately.»

Communication with Ukrainian servicemen became a separate challenge for the foreign volunteer.

At first, he and his brothers-in-arms relied almost constantly on an interpreter. At the same time, over four months in Ukraine, they gradually mastered basic Ukrainian and learned to interact better without translation.

«Time helped. We learned a lot of words — from ordinary greetings to how to say ‘water.’ You learn everything little by little,» the serviceman said.

Drawing on his own experience, Krisfaka advises foreigners planning to join Ukraine’s Defense Forces to realistically assess the conditions of service and arrive prepared.

«This is a real war, not some adventure. We didn’t come for a stroll. This is war, and it’s extremely hard.»

At the same time, the serviceman notes that discipline, following orders, and knowledge of the terrain increase the chances of survival.

«If you do your job well, follow orders, and know how to read the terrain — believe me, you have every chance to hold out and survive,» the volunteer emphasized.