“When your mom is in a city being bombed by Russians, you can’t make a rational decision” Les Yakymchuk returned from the US to Ukraine to help fight against Russia
Les Yakymchuk, 29, had been studying at Ohio University for six months when the war happened. He and his girlfriend decided to come back to Ukraine.
“It was a really impulsive decision. When your mom is in a city being bombed by Russians, you can’t make a rational decision. I was terrified when I crossed the border from Poland. I understood that there was no turning back for me because as a man, I can’t leave the country now. I’m locked in. But I’m OK with that,” he said.
Les Yakymchuk is a volunteer who helps soldiers of the Territorial Defense Forces in Kyiv. “Many didn’t have proper clothes or helmets or medical kits. I decided to help. Every day I try to find the needed supplies in Europe or the USA and then I deliver them to the front line. We give first aid kits, tourniquets, things to help save lives,” Les Yakymchuk said.
Friends of Les, volunteers who were delivering some of our stuff, were driving to Chernihiv when they were bombed by missiles. They died. It is difficult for Les, but he believes Ukraine will win. “I know that we will win this war. We have already won this war, actually, mentally and culturally. But I just don’t want more people to die,” said Les.
