Belarusian Volunteer "Zubr": The Russians Have Come And They Will Stay Here Forever

A veteran of the war in Donbas told about the newly created Belarusian troop.

A Belarusian volunteer troop was formed in 2022 at the very beginning of the war and came to the defense of Ukraine. The first groups have already managed to carry out combat tasks and return to a permanent location.

A Belarusian with the code name “Zubr” has five years of war in Donbas under his belt: firstly in a volunteer formation, and then in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. After learning about the Russian invasion, he went back to the front line from a safe Europe. In an interview with Euroradio, the man spoke about the newly created Belarusian troop.

He's there now, sharing combat experience with the recruits:

— We have created a troop to bring together Belarusian volunteers in one place. In 2014, we did not have the necessary number of people with skills and combat experience. But we have a great resource and potential in 2022. We took responsibility to create a separate unit with our own command. Now we perform tasks on the front line.

The guys are motivated because they want to come back home and to return to their country. They have no mercy for the aggressor. The Russians have come and they will stay here forever.

— How many volunteers come here?

— I think that the “mobilization center” [a volunteer initiative — Euroradio] in Warsaw has more complete information about how many wish to come. But people come to us, the numbers are increasing every day.

The first group of Belarusians goes to the volunteer troop / the Telegram channel of Belarusian volunteers

"Zubr" manages to sleep only 4-5 hours a day because of the caseload. He trains new arrivals, deals with organizational issues. According to him, high morale and motivation help to work at a rapid rate.

— It takes several years to train a real specialist to be a professional and an efficient fighter. We are trying to show our guys the most necessary basics for these days because time isn't enough.

We have enough people with combat experience to effectively manage the unit and to train new people. The people with combat experience also are located on all command posts.

— What are the selection criteria for the Belarusian troop?

— We are a voluntary formation. We take everyone who can hold a weapon in their hands, who is motivated and has special skills. We find a place for everyone. We do not have such a case, that we do not accept anyone.

— Are you afraid of spies who can get in as a volunteer?

— We are well organized in connection with the questions of verification and safety. There should be no problems. It is too hot for agent penetration, we are not in a minor capacity.

— Do Ukrainian border guards let everyone in?

— There were some problems when I was crossing the border. It was in the first days of the war, but now, as far as I know, the Border Guard Service together with the Security Service of Ukraine and the President's Office have already settled these issues. New groups of volunteers are already moving in our direction. We will be aware of the situation after they arrive.