Canadian veteran and sniper Wali was among the first foreign volunteers to answer President Zelensky’s call in early 2022. He served near Kyiv, Irpin, Bucha, and in parts of the Donbass during the most uncertain weeks of the full‑scale invasion. After speaking to the Ukrainian community in Vancouver, he joined Pawlina to discuss what compelled him to go, what he witnessed on the ground, and how those experiences continue to shape his support for Ukraine today.
In this interview, Wali reflects on
• why he felt an immediate obligation to volunteer
• the urgency and chaos of the invasion’s early days
• the psychological impact of facing overwhelming force
• the realities of sniper work versus popular portrayals
• the challenges of language, logistics, and training
• why he describes his experience as a “frustrating victory”
• his ongoing efforts to provide equipment and resources, especially drones
This episode offers a clear, personal look at the motivations and experiences of a foreign volunteer who chose to stand with Ukraine at a critical moment.
Check our website for the full transcript.
This episode also marks a small addition to the Nash Holos ecosystem: we’ve recently opened a Substack as another place to share selected transcripts and occasional background notes. It’s still very new, but you’re welcome to take a look if you’d like to follow along as it develops.
Listeners can also hear the full original broadcast, including music and additional segments, on Mixcloud.
Links: