Former European Council presidential spokesman Leyts becomes volunteer in Ukraine
Former Spokesperson of the President of the European Council, now an adviser to former Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Belgian Barend Leyts became a volunteer in Ukraine, seeking to show with his actions that Ukrainians are not alone in their fight against Russian aggression.
In an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Leyts said that he decided to become a volunteer in Ukraine with the FinEst Volunteers organization because, “when I saw the devastation in Borodyanka and the mass grave in Bucha, I promised myself I would not remain a passive observer.” “I was deeply struck by the sheer injustice. Ukraine is not just fighting for its own freedom. It’s defending Europe. Our democracies. Our dignity,” he explained.
Speaking about day-to-day activities, Leyts said that “every day is different but always full.” “We often begin by weaving camouflage nets, then move to packing supplies: clothes or medicine, hygiene kits. Some days we teach English classes, assist at an animal shelter, or simply spend time connecting with locals. We sleep in shared rooms, eat simple meals and keep going because the need never stops,” the agency's interlocutor elaborated.
When asked how his family and friends reacted to his decision to go to Ukraine as a volunteer, he said: “Not everyone understood. Some even called it pointless. But my family knows that when I commit to something, I mean it. And I believe this is worth every minute. In fact, I’m more convinced now than I was when I arrived. I came to show that we still care despite the war of attrition, despite the endless drone attacks. I deeply admire the stamina of the Ukrainian people. They deserve our solidarity.”
Leyts expressed conviction that Ukraine belongs to both the EU and NATO. “Ukraine is Europe. Despite the war, the country has made remarkable reforms to integrate into the European Union. Ukrainians want to belong to the European project of peace and prosperity, and we simply cannot let them down. The EU and NATO are alliances of shared values. And Ukraine lives those values, every single day,” he said.
Speaking about the mood among Ukrainians and volunteers, Leyts believes that “people are tired, yes. But they haven’t given up.” “Volunteers feel it too. We’re not here to save the day. We’re here to help without expecting thanks. This is a quiet revolution. Volunteering as resistance. We still care. We’re still here. And that, sometimes, is exactly what’s needed most. Ukraine is still the place where Europe’s future is being decided. If Ukraine loses this war, we lose an ally. And perhaps the greatest proof yet that a democracy cannot defend itself. Brutal force will have won. That’s why now is the time to stay. To show that we still care. As a volunteer, you won’t solve the war. But you’re here,” he is convinced.
