BLITZ INTERVIEW: Combat medic Ron Carter: 'I left my easy life in America to join Ukraine’s fight for survival.'

When Russi invaded, this American decided to go help the Ukrainian army. Inspired by the resilience of the Ukrainians. He's now joined their fight full-time. "Freedom shouldn't be taken for granted."

Where are you from? And where are you now? What are you doing?

I grew up in Arkansas (go Hogs!) and spent 18 years in Colorado. Now, I’m in Ukraine. I left my easy life in America to join Ukraine’s fight for survival. For the past 1000+ days, I’ve worked in various capacities and locations supporting Ukraine’s resistance against the Russian invasion, from Kharkiv to Capitol Hill!

Recently, I have become a combat medic. It’s important to me to give everything I have to Ukraine’s survival. My conscience won’t allow me to merely “ride the bench.” I am going to get in the game and have no regrets, for as long as I possibly can. Maybe I’ll save the lives of my friends and help defeat the enemy in the process.

What kind of work did you do previously? Where?

As a young man, I joined the Arkansas Army Guard. It wasn’t anything exciting, but it gave me a solid foundation. Before moving to Ukraine in September, I worked primarily in aviation, focusing on cabin safety for a major airline. It was an enjoyable, easy job, and I traveled across North America. But it became hard for me to live carefree while my friends here were dying. Additionally, I spent many years as a firearms instructor and competitive shooter in Colorado. That role naturally led me to develop other relevant skills, which I’ve continued to practice and teach in both the U.S. and Ukraine.

(for security reasons, places and people are not identified in the photo)

How has the war in Ukraine changed your life? How has it changed you personally?

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has changed everything about me. It has given me a stronger sense of purpose. A Ukrainian friend of mine describes it as a peculiar 'virus' that drives foreign volunteers to do more for Ukraine. My first trip here was on March 7, 2022—a time when millions of women and children were fleeing for their safety. Witnessing their suffering was gut-wrenching and immediately life-changing.

At the start of the full-scale invasion, I focused on delivering supplies to Ukraine. At my first visit in March 2022, I brought a shipment of individual first aid kits (IFAKs). Over the following months, as I began collaborating with others, I delivered a wide range of essential items, from food to ambulances. In 2023, when I wasn’t instructing, I continued humanitarian efforts, including evacuating survivors from Kherson city after Russian forces destroyed the upstream dam, resulting in catastrophic flooding.

After seven more trips to Ukraine, I barely recognize myself. Being around people fighting for their survival has profoundly affected on a person. The stakes are high, which has clarified what truly matters—protecting the people I care about and aiding my friends. I’ve become more committed to the cause of freedom. It isn’t free, and it shouldn’t be taken for granted. Like Ukrainians, I choose dangerous freedom over “peaceful” slavery.

What has surprised you most about Ukrainians over the past 2 years? Good or bad?

Their resilience is awe-inspiring. Despite facing constant danger, their determination is unyielding. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen grandmothers sweeping up shattered glass the morning after an explosion. Under immense pressure, Ukrainians refuse to give up. On the flip side, their 'make do with what you have' mentality can be frustrating. For instance, if a car breaks down, they’ll fix it using whatever parts they can find—improvisation at its finest, but coming from the U.S., where replacement parts are readily available, it’s still a cultural adjustment for me! I respect their 'MacGyver' ingenuity—it’s a strength, not a weakness, but clearly I’m just spoiled by the availiability of new and OEM parts.

Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working with and supporting Ukrainians of Colorado, Ukraine Aid Fund, and Sunflower Seeds Ukraine, all based in Colorado. These groups quickly made me feel welcomed and like family and provided incredible opportunities to contribute whenever I was back in the States. Just last night (November 23, 2024), Ukraine Aid Fund hosted a major fundraiser at the Polish Club in Denver, featuring my friends from The Nadiya Band. They raised funds, spread awareness, and enjoyed a great evening together. While I couldn’t be there in person, I was with them in spirit—even as air defense systems here had me awake as they worked hard at countering inbound aerial threats.

What are your plans?

I plan to fight for Ukraine as long as I can or until Russia gives up. After the war, I’m not sure what’s next, but I want to continue supporting Ukraine, perhaps in its reconstruction. Seeing civilian air traffic return and watching the country rebuild would be incredible. Whether through humanitarian work, helping veterans, or rebuilding efforts, I hope to play a role in shaping Ukraine’s future. Meeting friends and family at the airport in Kyiv would be a dream moment.

How do you see the war ending and Ukraine returning to a normal life?

In many ways, Ukraine has already won, though Russia hasn’t realized they’ve lost. Russia will never entirely destroy Ukraine, but clearly that fact won’t stop them from trying to achieve this evil goal. The war will end with Ukraine fully sovereign one way or another, even if Ukraine doesn’t regain all its territories—territories that should have been defended by the international community back in 2014. I think Ukraine will ultimately emerge stronger (with Europe’s help) but at depressingly great cost.

Returning to a normal life will take time; perhaps Ukraine will never be the same. The country will need to rebuild both physically and emotionally. My greatest concern is that unless Russia suffers a true defeat, its death machine will only grow more dangerous in the future. Appeasement is not a path to peace.

Ron Carter is blogging at:

Tell us one thing you think people abroad don’t know about Ukraine but should.

Many people don’t realize how modern Ukraine is while still holding onto its charming, old-time character. Before the full-scale invasion, Ukraine had a booming tech sector, progressive social movements, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Russia’s murderous invasion hasn’t extinguished this spirit—I think it has only strengthened it. Ukraine is experiencing a cultural renaissance, where people proudly embrace their identity, language, and heritage. It’s almost a patriotic duty to express their culture defiantly in the face of an enemy that aspires to erase it. For example, the claim that Borscht is Ukrainian is more than a food discussion—it’s a symbol of reclaiming Ukrainian heritage from those who have stolen it. While many people think of Ukraine only in terms of war or its Soviet past, they should understand that it is a modern nation brimming with innovation and a rich cultural revival. And as a bonus: the coffee here makes Starbucks look just darn juvenile.