June 8, 2025
A raging spirit of fire, rising like a falcon from a storm of lightning. That’s Raroh—an elemental weapon from Slavic mythology, wielded by wrathful gods to scorch forests and steppes. It’s also the chosen callsign of Staff Sergeant Raroh, a platoon commander and tactical training instructor in Ukraine’s 4th International Legion. But there are no flaming feathers here—just multi-cam fatigues and a voice that radiates calm.
Even-tempered and deliberate, Raroh seems to contradict the ferocity of his mythic namesake. But listen closely, and there’s no mistaking it: a fire still rages beneath the surface.
Raroh is a Ukrainian combat veteran with experience stretching back to 2014. He’s fought in Avdiivka and along the Svitlodarsk Arc, near the village of Luhanske. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, he’s seen combat near Kyiv, in Kharkiv, and across Donetsk Oblast. Now, his mission is to pass that battlefield knowledge on to foreign fighters joining the International Legion, each of them bent on helping drive Russian forces out of Ukraine.
“We get all kinds of people,” he says. “Some have combat experience in other countries. But that experience, let’s say, isn’t enough for today’s war. My knowledge allows me to guide, correct, and help them survive.”
The International Legion’s instructors bring hard-earned combat experience into a NATO-modeled training system—fusing real-world battlefield instincts with the structure of a Western army, fully adapted to the demands of the Russo-Ukrainian war.
“Our drills run on three levels. It starts with individual skills—that’s the base. Then we work on small-unit coordination. Finally, we test them with situational tasks that push their limits. We want them to analyze every move, understand their mistakes, and complete their objectives.”
The training window is short—and never long enough. That’s why every hour counts. The program is dense, fast-paced, and intentionally overwhelming.
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“We structure it from simple to complex,” Raroh explains. “First comes the basics: how to move in combat formations, how to react to contact, how to cross danger zones. Then we split them into fire teams to practice offense and defense—approaching a trench, clearing it, taking up defensive positions. We also focus heavily on CQB—close-quarters battle—in urban settings. Just like with trenches, we train them to clear settlements and set up defenses.”
A major challenge is replicating battlefield stress. From the start, trainees are thrown into near-combat conditions—especially hard on those with no prior military experience. It’s a psychological shock, and that’s the point.
“We break them out of their comfort zone immediately. Some complain that we’re too tough. But later, when they’re on the front line, they say, ‘It wasn’t enough. We needed more.’”
Training doesn’t begin with a cutting-edge weapon system. Like learning to drive in a beat-up Ford instead of a Subaru WRX, recruits first get the basics. That’s why training starts on the AKM platform—even though frontline units mostly use NATO-standard rifles.
“It’s not ideal,” Raroh admits. “But once they move to their assigned units, there’s a coordination phase where they drill tactics with their real weapons. During training, we still give them exposure to what they’ll be using—CZ BREN 2s, AR platforms, and the FN MAG machine gun.”
The rules of war have changed—forever. First-person-view (FPV) drones have revolutionized the battlefield, much like tanks once did. The “grey zone” is a relic. Now, every inch of contested territory is in someone’s sights. Remaining unseen is a luxury no one can count on.
“You’re always being watched,” Raroh says. “That’s why drones are a core part of our training. First, they’re our eyes—we use their footage to break down performance and teach planning: how to assault trenches or urban blocks. Second, they train our soldiers to recognize drone threats, how to hide, how to defend. We also run a two-day course so anyone can fly, gather intel, and adapt their tactics.”
A good instructor isn’t just someone yelling at you for leaving your safety off. The job doesn’t end when the trainees rotate to the front. It continues—because the war does.
“Almost all of us stay in touch with the people we’ve trained. Their feedback matters. The war is always changing, and we have to understand what didn’t work, what needs improving, and what to update in our training.”
The International Legion draws fighters from more than 75 countries. Each has their reasons: some are idealists, others professionals, and many are civilians who felt the need to act. But before they face the enemy, they pass through the same crucible—and many meet Raroh along the way.
“We welcome everyone—foreigners, Ukrainians, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that we train them well. We give them the tools to survive and fight. If you’re ready to chop down a moskal,” he adds with a grin, “welcome to the team.”
For reference: The International Legion of Defense of Ukraine operates as part of the Land Forces within Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Members of the International Legion are fully integrated into the Armed Forces of Ukraine, performing the same duties and enjoying the same rights, including financial and social benefits, as other Ukrainian service members.
The Legion includes both Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers from around the world. Foreigners interested in joining the Legion can sign an initial six-month military service contract.
For more information visit their official website: https://ildu.legion.army
From all the reports that I’ve read and accounts that I’ve heard, it’s safe to say that no NATO country has an inkling about what this fight is like. Sending observers and such is fine and dandy, but I doubt that this is nearly enough to make important and sensible changes for combat methodology, in particular with the number and types of drones involved.
Western countries would do good in this regard to send combat troops to Ukraine to allow them getting first-hand experience. It would benefit Ukraine and their own countries. Yes, it would cause casualties, but it would be for a just cause and the experience would be tremendous.
And anyhow, I think it’s high time for Western leaders to start asking themselves, how much longer they are willing to let Ukraine shoulder the burden alone.