Ukraine War: Volunteers gear up for combat

Volunteer Ukrainian battalions are prepping themselves for the front line in Barvinkove while the Russian military plans to encircle troops in the east.

People duck when drones fly overhead, waiting to resume their trench digging. One crew focuses on mobilising a captured Russian tank.

[dawid]

The 1940's machine gun they were sneering at in this report is in fact still in service with many military and is quite frankly excellent. Plenty of ammo, easy to clean, lots of parts.

[morganmcdonagh]

Words are not enough to describe these guys. I hope one day the world can thank each and everyone of these guys and honour their bravery

[jessiebond]

God Bless all the Volunteers, Civilians and Ukraine.

[kensmith]

Being brave is not the lack of fear. It is carrying on in the face of fear. These people are fighting for their home. The Russian troops aren't. This gives the Ukrainians an advantage of motivation.

[fernanmontevista]

I'm not a Ukrainian but I can't express my gratefulness enough to these brave volunteers who are willing to sacrifice their very own lives .Though they can enjoy it in in the comfort of their own country.

[lermapabillan]

I remember digging trench when our place became a warzone. It"s hard to live and even sleep when life security is endangered. I hope this war end. May God help in this situation.

[NailahRoberts]

"Even a stick will shoot" will be added to the growing list of fabulous comments made by the Ukrainian people throughout this battle. Slava Ukraini🇬🇧🇺🇦🌻

[babaayman]

1:40
Interviewer: Some of your equipment looks ancient.
Ukrainian: Ancient or not, the main thing is it works. in our hands everything works, even a stick will shoot.
We use everything we are given.

[ash.i.]

I love that from a reservist. “ doesnt matter if old, as long as it works. In our hands even a stick will shoot”

[marcoreale]

My father was an officer in the French Foreign Legion and he taught me that any weapon kept in good condition and able to fire is nothing to minimize. Old weapons which are not maintained properly or homemade weapons can be dangerous to the users and we all know that.

[Laederon]

I love that " in our hands even a stick will shoot" 😀

[nzou]

That machine gun may be old but it remains one of the best ever produced. The American 50 caliber heavy machine gun is just as old as the one shown but is still in production and use. Every M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank has one mounted on the top of the Turret. It's also mounted on all sorts of vehicles and can be found being luged around battle field's used by infantry. As for the one shown, I would be more than happy to have it for harvesting Russian meat.

[nspinicelli]

What’s so impressive to me is the little things like where they carry their med kits on their kit, how they can figure out how to operate a tank better than their Russian enemies… what an adaptable and courageous military

[cdfdesantis]

That volunteer who explained that fear is normal is right. If someone doesn't have some fear in life-threatening situations like this, they tend to be reckless, & they probably won't live long. As the Good Book says, "Fear is the beginning of wisdom.". A wise person learns to use their fear to their advantage; i.e., "I'm afraid of getting shot. So I'll wear body armor, dig trenches, erect barricades, & use weapons that will cause my OPPONENT to fear getting shot.". Fear can be turned, & used as a psychological weapon. These volunteers, & the rest of the Ukrainian forces are doing just that - turning their fears into weapons, & their concerns into courage. I have nothing but admiration for their strength & resolve to defend their homeland, & their right to freedom & democracy. Slava Ukraine! Random observation - love that 1 guy's resourcefulness & bravado by insisting, "Even a STICK can shoot!"

[zoeydeu]

I love seeing the cooperation of Ukrainian soldiers with the volunteers. No hazing, no bashing, no psychological torture like how Russian military treats fresh conscripts.

[adoatero]

LOL. An Ukrainan soldier about a machine gun from the 1940's:
- "Ancient or not, the main thing is it works. In our hands everything works, even a stick will shoot."
These guys are unbeliavable :-).

[gautruc]

They are rank No.1 on my list, most respectful, most brave people I have ever met in my entire life time.

[croatian_menace]

Imagine, having to fight and die so young in 21.century.. I am out of words, life is so precious.. But what is left to do when your future is endangered and destroyed.
Glory to all these brave souls. Respect from Croatia! SLAVA UKRAINI

[nightengale]

Bless the Ukrainian soldiers and keep them safe. The world is with the Ukraine. 💪🇺🇦💙💛🌻🙏✨

[austenfalk]

It the 60's the British army finally got rid of their vickers maxim guns. They did a test where they fed it constant ammunition and refilled the water. It shot for 7 days and 7 nights before they stopped. That maxim might be old but entrenched like that it's great.