NAPLES -– A number of young men are waiting for documents to leave Italy and fight for Ukraine as part of the Ukrainian 'International Legion,' the ANSA news agency reported in an interview with two anonymous volunteers. The International foreign legion was founded on Feb. 27 by the Ukraine government.

 A 35-year-old Italian, known by the pseudonym Francesco and who has military and anti-terrorism experience, was motivated to join to help children during the war. After seeing a 7-year-old Ukrainian girl crying on the news, saying, “I'm afraid of dying,” Francesco decided to go to Ukraine and try to help. He also wants to organise a collection of provisions for the Ukrainian people.

 “I have been in the military for eight years and I want to make my contribution, not only with weapons but by organising collections of food, medicines, clothes,” Francesco said. He currently is waiting for proper documents to leave. 

 Another man, known pseudonymously as Pietro, will also leave as a volunteer soon. The 22-year-old from Veneto has only one year of military experience but has decided to support the Ukraine for ethical reasons. Like Francesco, he is especially moved by the situation of children affected by the war.

 “I leave to defend ideals and especially children,” Francesco said.

Ak- ln