Georgian Legion Volunteer: A Spanish Soldier’s Role in Ukraine

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A quietly intense mood lingers as the interview unfolds, with a hint of excitement. The person speaks about a life mission aligned with a military path, and the ideas learned in school are meant to be put into action. Years earlier, in a different era of conflict, a Spanish Special Forces member described clear roles in a struggle: the attacker and the defender. He left Spain secretly, not telling even his wife he was in Ukraine, a place where many believed the West needed support and where dramatic moments were unfolding. For weeks, a stocky, tall Valencian named Nandi joined the Georgian Legion, a multinational unit led by Mamuka Mamulashvili, consisting of volunteers from dozens of countries.

“Joining the Georgian Legion is a rare opportunity, though the language barrier remains a challenge since Georgian and Spanish share similarities; the commitment here comes with the leadership of Mamulashvili. He requested that the southern Ukrainian front not be disclosed. Mamuka Mamulashvili stands out as one of the most charismatic and experienced commanders on the Ukrainian side. He fought from a young age during conflicts tied to his country, including the early 1990s, and later participated in battles in Chechnya before moving to Ukraine in 2013 to support officials aligned with the rebels. From there, he built the unit that Nandi now leads within the multinational force.

contract and salary

Nandi entered into a formal service agreement with a clear wage structure, while he works to avoid any impression that he is a mercenary who fights solely for money. He states that compensation is not the primary motivation. He has a wife and two children, and his first child reacted strongly to the news, though his daughter and son seem to understand the need for his role. If health or other reasons arise, it is possible for him to terminate the contract and return home, a process that could involve legal considerations in Spain. Spain’s growing involvement in the conflict has brought a sense of reassurance for him, especially after conversations with lawyers and the information about weapons deliveries.

That moment of disappointment appeared when Nandi first deployed, underscoring that the Ukraine conflict has featured intense artillery exchanges and heavy engagements rather than long, stationary clashes. Yet the multinational unit he joined received guidance from its commanders to fulfill its mission. Throughout the discussion, there is no doubt about the relevance of his presence in the region. The aim remains to resist occupation and support Ukraine during this critical period, even as the broader context involves complex geopolitical dynamics within Europe.

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