Russian journalist: I came to Ukraine to protect it from my homeland

The writer's address was published on the official Facebook page of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"My name is Sergey Loiko! I am 69 years old. I am Russian, but I have worked almost all my life as a correspondent for major American magazines. Over my journalistic career, I’ve witnessed many armed conflicts and a number of wars, but I never took part in anyone's side, I never took up arms because that would be unprofessional. Now you see the Kalashnikov assault rifle in my hands. And I am no longer a journalist, but a free person. I came here to Ukraine, the outskirts of Kyiv, to defend Ukraine from my homeland, from Putin – the present-day Hitler," Loiko wrote.

He explained that he had become a soldier because he considered this war to be the battle between good and evil, the battle between darkness and light. "For the first time in my life, between good and evil. And I finally chose my side. And I appeal to you – people with combat experience, with experience in military training, whether in the United States or elsewhere in the world. I understand that the governments of your countries cannot be involved in the struggle, as they are concerned that this could provoke a nuclear confrontation with Moscow. But you personally, if you want to help Ukraine defend its independence and freedom, contact the embassies of Ukraine in your countries. And wherever you live, come here and join the Territorial Defense Forces, as I did," the writer urged.

On February 24, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced the start of the invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops are shelling and destroying key infrastructure, missiles are hitting houses.

Martial law was imposed in Ukraine and general mobilization was announced.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the support of the entire nation, are courageously resisting aggression.

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