After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Norwegian Edward Kostrytsia came to Zhytomyr 2,500 kilometers away to help Ukraine.
As reported "Suspilne"The 18-year-old has Ukrainian roots. Now he is engaged in volunteering – he transports refugees to Poland, and from there brings humanitarian supplies.
Edward is in Ukraine for the second time in his life. He has been in Zhytomyr for several weeks now.
The guy said that when he found out about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he decided to go and help the Ukrainians in any way he could. During my stay in Zhytomyr, I have already learned several phrases in Ukrainian.
"Ukraine will win, how are you, everything is fine. In fact, I already know a lot more Ukrainian words, I won't say everything, because it will take a long time," says Edward Kostrytsia.
On February 24, when he found out about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Edward's first thought was to defend Ukraine on the battlefield. At that time, the foreign military legion was being formed.
"But I have no military experience and also I'm too young, so I couldn't join the Legion," says Edward Kostrytsia. – In Norway, I was asked about my attitude, but I have always said and will continue to say that I am a Ukrainian, I have Ukrainian roots on my father's side and I will always stand up for Ukraine."
After the failure with the foreign legion, Edward did not change his mind about going to Ukraine. He says he decided for himself to help the Ukrainians in any way he could. Now he is engaged in volunteer activities.
"It's not very difficult, I just move people to the border and then come back," says Edward Kostrytsia. – I'm not sure that this is exactly what I will do, but I am sure of one thing – I will stay in Ukraine until the very end."
Edward plans to stay in Ukraine after the end of the war.