The news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted citizens from countless countries – Malta included – to come together in support of those affected by the war. 

Some opened fundraisers, others gathered in peaceful protests, whilst many sent over vital supplies. 21-year-old Hamrun resident Carlos Chircop, however, is looking to help out in more of a hands-on manner, so to speak. 

21-year-old Carlos Chircop plans to travel to Poland to help the hundreds of Ukrainian citizens fleeing the Russian invasion.  

On 18th March, Carlos will be catching a plane to Krakow, Poland, to join the countless volunteers risking their lives for Ukrainian refugees.  

 “I will arrive [in Krakow] at about 11pm, and then [I will travel] to the border, where I will ask to help inside Ukraine. When there, I hope to sign up with a volunteer organisation that helps civilians, although my main eventual goal is to fight in the military, because this is the main way the war will be stopped,” Carlos tells GuideMeMalta.com 

“But, until I’m familiar with the place, terrain, and conditions, as well as until I get more training, I wish to help in the best way that I can over there. I plan to train myself to do the next most useful thing that I will be capable of doing,” he continues. 

Carlos intends to start with volunteering with organisations providing essential services, such as sorting items, passing food to refugees, helping out with medical aid, and eventually building fortifications. 

“I know what being homeless is, and I can understand a little bit of what Ukrainians are going through. I remember looking into the eyes of people that suffered when they were homeless, and I don’t want that to happen to them. This attack by Putin is unjustified and I must do my part to help the Ukrainian people,” Carlos notes, justifying his efforts.   

Equipped with a single suitcase and a backpack, the 21-year-old plans to take the bare minimum with him to travel as light as possible. His packing list includes some clothes, a pair of boots, food, and water.   

When asked about where he intends to stay upon arriving at the border, Carlos didn’t seem too sure – although that didn’t concern him one bit. 

"[I will] probably [be] sleeping outside in the sleeping bag I'm taking with me. I have slept outside before; I can handle it. I will sleep wherever they put volunteers, but I'm very adaptable and will manage to sleep anywhere." 

Fuelling Carlos’ drive to help out are a strong sense of injustice stemming from the invasion and a lot of anger directed towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

“Putin thinks he’s still living in 1939 when it’s 2022 and we didn’t need this war. To me, this is a continuation of the Cold War turned hot, when it could have blossomed into co-operation between the EU and Russia. Instead, Putin wants to reunite the Soviet Union and Ukraine was his next target. This is unjustified for the Ukrainians who want to decide for themselves what they want, and the people of the world must help them live safe and free,” Carlos noted. 

Before parting ways with Carlos, we asked him what message he’d like to pass on to the Maltese public. This is what he had to say: 

"Ukraine is no longer a nation, but an idea. An idea of freedom in the 21st century against brutal dictatorial oppression."   

"I want my future kid to be born in a free world, where he can choose what he wants and not be oppressed. I bet the Ukrainians want the same too, so why not work with them to achieve a common and realistic goal?" he explained.   

"Ukraine is fighting for her freedom, not only for itself but for Europe…for us! Slava Ukraini!" he ended.   

Safe travels Carlos. We wish you good luck! 

Main image: Facebook/ Carlos Chircop