José David Chaparro Martínez, a Venezuelan lawyer who lives in Ukraine, joined the military resistance in Kyiv on Monday to help fight the Russian invasion.
The Venezuelan, who in the last 33 years has lived between Ukraine and Venezuela, married a Ukrainian. The couple has 2 children and 3 grandchildren who do not reside in that country.
«Ukraine is my second homeland. I decided to stay with my wifeour children are outside, and face this situation as one more Ukrainian, “he said in an interview with Univisión from his apartment in the historic center of Kyiv.
In a video shared on Instagram by one of his daughters, Chaparro showed the moment he went to pick up his gun along with hundreds of other people. “All these gentlemen are willing to fight to the end. Youth, adults, women. This is the reality today, Monday, February 28 », he pointed out.
“We are convinced that we can contribute to the defense of this country. We do it with conviction and with love above all things. This country has given me as much as my own country, Venezuela. And without a doubt I would also do it for my country; considering that I currently cannot do it there, so I decide to fight here in Kyiv, “said the Venezuelan in another video.
He said that he takes turns along with other colleagues to guard the building where he lives, while the explosions tend to worsen at night.
“We are in contact with the central and every day they give us certain types of instructions; I can’t say much here, but we have to protect the integrity of our neighbors,” he told Univision.
He stated that he is not afraid of the possible arrival of a 40-mile Russian convoy headed for the Ukrainian capital, and urged calm.
«I believe that the moment will give me the answer of what I have to do. If it comes, it comes, and I will know what to do », she concluded.
He also fought in Venezuela
Chaparro said that in Venezuela he also participated in the protests, although he felt powerless for not being able to help the country more.
I felt incomplete as a man for not having given all of me in Venezuela. Now that I am living here I am given this second chance and I am going to do it and I am doing it », she expressed.