Barend Leyts, former Spokesperson to the President of the European Council, became a volunteer in Ukraine: We care about Ukraine

Interview with Barend Leyts, a former Spokesperson to the President of the European Council, adviser to former Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo, who is now a humanitarian volunteer in Ukraine, to Interfax-Ukraine News Agency

Text Iryna Somer

Why did you decide to volunteer in Ukraine, and why did you choose the organization FinEst Volunteers, which is registered in Finland?

When I saw the devastation in Borodyanka and the mass grave in Bucha, I promised myself I would not remain a passive observer. I was deeply struck by the sheer injustice. Ukraine is not just fighting for its own freedom. It’s defending Europe. Our democracies. Our dignity.

I chose FinEst Volunteers because of their quiet, consistent impact. It’s a grassroots initiative from Finland and Estonia that brings together people from all over the world. They simply do the work and show up in the communities they support.

I arrived at the end of July and will stay for nearly four weeks. Every day is different but always full.

We often begin by weaving camouflage nets, then move to packing supplies: clothes or medicine, hygiene kits. Some days we teach English classes, assist at an animal shelter, or simply spend time connecting with locals.

We sleep in shared rooms, eat simple meals and keep going because the need never stops.

How did your family and friends react to this decision?

Not everyone understood. Some even called it pointless.

But my family knows that when I commit to something, I mean it. And I believe this is worth every minute. In fact, I’m more convinced now than I was when I arrived. I came to show that we still care despite the war of attrition, despite the endless drone attacks.  I deeply admire the stamina of the