A SWEDISH CITIZEN TRAINS UKRAINIAN RECRUITS IN KYIV

Mikael Skillt - Swedish volunteer who left his home to help Ukrainians fight at first in the Maidan, later in East Ukraine against Russian imperialist invasion. He joined his friend who served in Mariupol in the ranks of the "Azov" regiment. "At first there were not many Russian military in the East, but you understand that Russia was involved," says Mikael. He also fought in Ilovaysk, Novoazovsk, Maryinka and Shyrokyne. 

Mikael spent 6 years in the Swedish army, and currently trains the recruits of the "Azov" regiment at its training camp "Atek" as an instructor. He trains not only Ukrainians, though. "He taught me everything that is required for war," says Belarusian volunteer Ilya. "How to walk correctly, how to handle weapons, how to shoot, where to shoot, why to shoot. Our group owes all its military skills namely to him," he added. Besides, Mikael taught him English.

Mikael himself studies Russian and apologizes for not understanding Ukrainian. Most fighters of the "Azov" regiment with whom he fought hail from East Ukraine and thus mostly spoke Russian. If one speaks Russian slowly, Mikael is able to understand this person. According to him, most Ukrainian fighters understand English, too, just cannot speak it. "Overall, war has a universal language," explains the legendary Swedish sniper.

Mikael found his love in Ukraine, plans to marry her and stay in Ukraine. He has already submitted documents to get Ukrainian citizenship, the same as Ilya, who's not going to return to Belarus "directly into the KGB's open arms."

Full video report is here 

by Olena Semenyaka