KHARKIV, Ukraine — Wearing a military uniform emblazoned with both the Ukrainian and Canadian flags, Matthew McGill called for more support in the fight against Russia’s invasion.
“We need equipment,” the Canadian Armed Forces veteran and Ukraine International Legion member said Thursday. “The Legion needs money to buy equipment.”
“I appreciate any way you can help us continue our fight.”
A 49-year-old resident of Calgary, McGill served in a Ukrainian army signal platoon on the frontline in Kharkiv, where there were heavy rocket and artillery attacks.
“A lot of artillery,” McGill said. “Everyone reacts differently. As for me, I just listen more closely to know if it’s in or out and how close it is. And if it’s too close, you’re in a ditch.
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Read more: Russia steps up attacks on Kharkiv
Russian and Ukrainian forces clashed in a handful of villages outside the city of Kharkiv. Russia wants to push the Ukrainian army away from its border and protect supply lines, supporting its bid to seize the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.
Those fighting the Russians in the region include members of the International Territorial Defense Legion of Ukraine and at least one is Canadian.
Speaking to reporters at the edge of a farm field, far from the nearest Russian position, he said he was driving fuel trucks on icy roads in the Northwest Territories when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.
President Volodymyr Zelensky soon invited foreign volunteers to join an international legion that would act as part of Ukraine’s army.
Matthew McGill, near the front line in Kharkiv, Ukraine, June 30, 2022. Stuart Bell/Global News
A veteran of the Canadian Forces’ 735 Communications Regiment, McGill said he thinks he has a lot to offer.
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“I felt I could do more than just post on Facebook that I support Ukraine and maybe give some money,” he said. “I have skills that I thought would be useful here.”
His family didn’t want him to go. He is the father of two sons and recently became a grandfather.
While his family understood why he wanted to help Ukraine, they were worried but ultimately supported him, he said.
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He found the application form online and passed verification. Almost two weeks later, he learned he was approved and flew to Poland.
“My employer has been very supportive and I’ll have a job waiting for me when I get back,” he said.
Matthew McGill from Calgary near the front line in Kharkiv, Ukraine, June 30, 2022. Stuart Bell/Global News
Volunteers met him at Warsaw airport and he crossed the border in March for a month’s training. He said that while the International Legion may have been disorganized in the early days, it has improved.
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“I would say things are really good right now,” he said.
The International Legion says “many” Canadians have joined the fight against Russia, although it would not provide numbers. Many, but not all, are Ukrainian-Canadians.
“There are quite a few Canadians here,” agreed McGill, who has no Ukrainian roots whatsoever.
One is a drone operator who helps target Russian positions, he said. McGill said he also came across equipment provided by Canadians, such as night vision goggles and ready-to-eat meals.
Read more: As NATO summit ends, Canada pledges more military aid to Ukraine
Canada has provided M777 artillery guns, rifles, ammunition and other military support, but Ukraine remains armed by Russia and wants more weapons.
After Russia’s missile attack on a crowded shopping center in Kremenchuk on Monday, Zelensky asked the NATO summit in Madrid for “much more advanced systems, advanced artillery.”
McGill said he would face a Russian missile. He was in a building used as an observation post and was about to exit when a rocket hit and his glasses were blown off his face.
“Luckily no one was hurt, but just getting close really opens your eyes,” he said. “Being hit by rockets and artillery up close is something that will change everyone.”
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Explosions aren’t the only risks. Two British members of Ukrainian forces captured by Russia were sentenced to death earlier this month. Two Americans are also in Russian custody.
The Russian government calls foreigners fighting for Ukraine mercenaries, who are not entitled to prisoner-of-war protection under the Geneva Conventions.
Investigators at the scene of a Russian missile attack on an apartment building in Kharkiv, June 25, 2022. Stuart Bell/Global News
McGill said he will remain in Ukraine for another two months and return to Canada at the end of August.
“I think six months is enough to be away from my family,” he said.
He said the experience reinforced his views on the need to protect Ukraine from Russian territorial expansionism.
“Just seeing how terribly the Russians are treating Ukrainian civilians made me feel more strongly the need to be here,” he said.
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“Just be thankful we don’t have a war in Canada.”
Stewart.Bell@globalnews.ca
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