Citizens take part in a military exercise for civilians conducted by members of the Georgian National Legion paramilitary volunteer unit amid the threat of the Russian invasion in Kyiv, Ukraine. Reuters
Citizens take part in a military exercise for civilians conducted by members of the Georgian National Legion paramilitary volunteer unit amid the threat of the Russian invasion in Kyiv, Ukraine. Reuters
Citizens take part in a military exercise for civilians conducted by members of the Georgian National Legion paramilitary volunteer unit amid the threat of the Russian invasion in Kyiv, Ukraine. Reuters
Citizens take part in a military exercise for civilians conducted by members of the Georgian National Legion paramilitary volunteer unit amid the threat of the Russian invasion in Kyiv, Ukraine. Reute

World

US

Foreign fighters answer Zelenskyy’s call to defend Ukraine

About 16,000 foreigners have picked up arms in fight against Russia

Willy Lowry
Willy Lowry
Washington

March 04, 2022

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Live updates: follow the latest news on Russia-Ukraine

Mamuka Mamulashvili has spent most of his life fighting Russian forces. The Georgian commander first took up arms against the Soviets when he was 14, fighting alongside his father in the war in Abkhazia in the early 1990s.

“Me and my father fought all these years together, side-by-side against Russians,” he told The National.

Mr Mamulashvili and his father were captured by Russian soldiers and the teenager spent three months in captivity.

It did little to deter him from future fighting.

Thirty years later, he is leading a ragtag group of volunteer foreign fighters in Ukraine.

The Georgia National Legion, which has been fighting in Ukraine since 2014, is made up primarily of former Georgian soldiers, but Mr Mamulashvili said former servicemen from the UK, US and Canada have joined since Russia first invaded a little over a week ago.

He estimates that 300 fighters have signed up in the past few weeks and he expects that number to swell to a thousand.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the “international legion” of volunteer soldiers who have come to protect the country from one of the world’s most powerful armies.

A Ukrainian serviceman stands near captured Russian tanks, one painted in the colours of the Ukrainian national flag and the other marked with the letter 'Z' in the north of the Kharkiv region, Ukraine. Reuters
A Ukrainian serviceman stands near captured Russian tanks, one painted in the colours of the Ukrainian national flag and the other marked with the letter 'Z' in the north of the Kharkiv region, Ukraine. Reuters
Russian military vehicles with the letter 'Z' painted on them. Reuters
Russian military vehicles with the letter 'Z' painted on them. Reuters
French Air Force jets patrol airspace over Poland. Nicolas Tucat / AFP
French Air Force jets patrol airspace over Poland. Nicolas Tucat / AFP
The patrol is part of Nato's surveillance system. Photo by Nicolas Tucat / AFP
The patrol is part of Nato's surveillance system. Photo by Nicolas Tucat / AFP
The German-flagged 'Seacod' oil tanker moored at Birkenhead Docks near the Stanlow Oil Refinery in the UK.
The German-flagged 'Seacod' oil tanker moored at Birkenhead Docks near the Stanlow Oil Refinery in the UK.
A woman holds the hand of a child as they flee Ukraine. AP Photo / Markus Schreiber
A woman holds the hand of a child as they flee Ukraine. AP Photo / Markus Schreiber
A young woman clutches a doll as she crosses the border in Medyka, Poland. AP Photo / Markus Schreiber
A young woman clutches a doll as she crosses the border in Medyka, Poland. AP Photo / Markus Schreiber
A woman weeps after finding a friend at the border crossing in Medyka. AP Photo / Markus Schreiber
A woman weeps after finding a friend at the border crossing in Medyka. AP Photo / Markus Schreiber
People walk with their belongings as they flee Ukraine. AP Photo / Markus Schreiber
People walk with their belongings as they flee Ukraine. AP Photo / Markus Schreiber
Ukrainian refugees arrive at Berlin central station, Germany, from Poland on March 4. EPA / Filip Singer
Ukrainian refugees arrive at Berlin central station, Germany, from Poland on March 4. EPA / Filip Singer
Russian troops entered Ukraine on February 24, prompting the country's president to declare martial law and triggering a series of announcements by western countries to impose severe economic sanctions on Russia. EPA / Filip Singer
Russian troops entered Ukraine on February 24, prompting the country's president to declare martial law and triggering a series of announcements by western countries to impose severe economic sanctions on Russia. EPA / Filip Singer
Military vessels docked at the military harbour of Constanta, Romania, on March 4. Daniel Mihailescu / AFP
Military vessels docked at the military harbour of Constanta, Romania, on March 4. Daniel Mihailescu / AFP
A child plays with a pigeon during a protest in San Jose, Costa Rica, against the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Ezequiel Becerra / AFP
A child plays with a pigeon during a protest in San Jose, Costa Rica, against the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Ezequiel Becerra / AFP
Ukrainian citizens in San Jose, Costa Rica, protest against the Russian invasion in Ukraine on March 4. Ezequiel Becerra / AFP
Ukrainian citizens in San Jose, Costa Rica, protest against the Russian invasion in Ukraine on March 4. Ezequiel Becerra / AFP
People fleeing Ukraine wait to board a bus in Palanca Village, Moldova. EPA / Dumitru Doru
People fleeing Ukraine wait to board a bus in Palanca Village, Moldova. EPA / Dumitru Doru
Ukrainians living in Britain join a protest at Trafalgar Square, London. EPA / Andy Rain
Ukrainians living in Britain join a protest at Trafalgar Square, London. EPA / Andy Rain
Ludmila Shkarupa, 73, from Ukraine, sits on a chair wrapping herself with a sleeping bag to avoid the cold at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland. AP
Ludmila Shkarupa, 73, from Ukraine, sits on a chair wrapping herself with a sleeping bag to avoid the cold at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland. AP
A view shows a thermal power plant destroyed by shelling amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the town of Okhtyrka in the Sumy region. Reuters
A view shows a thermal power plant destroyed by shelling amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the town of Okhtyrka in the Sumy region. Reuters
People fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine use mobile devices in a temporary refugee centre located at a local track-and-field athletics stadium in Chisinau, Moldova. Reuters
People fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine use mobile devices in a temporary refugee centre located at a local track-and-field athletics stadium in Chisinau, Moldova. Reuters
A local resident walks past the remains of a house of culture following a night air raid in the village of Byshiv, 40 kilometres west of Kyiv, Ukraine. AP
A local resident walks past the remains of a house of culture following a night air raid in the village of Byshiv, 40 kilometres west of Kyiv, Ukraine. AP
A member of the Ukrainian military guards an evacuation train of women and children who fled fighting in Bucha and Irpin. Getty Images
A member of the Ukrainian military guards an evacuation train of women and children who fled fighting in Bucha and Irpin. Getty Images
A member of the Ukrainian military gives instructions to women and children that fled fighting in Bucha and Irpin before boarding an evacuation train to Kyiv after heavy fighting overnight forced many to leave their homes. Getty Images
A member of the Ukrainian military gives instructions to women and children that fled fighting in Bucha and Irpin before boarding an evacuation train to Kyiv after heavy fighting overnight forced many to leave their homes. Getty Images
A person demonstrates outside the Russian embassy in London following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Reuters
A person demonstrates outside the Russian embassy in London following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Reuters
The Danish rescue group Falck A/S has donated 30 ambulances to Ukraine and neighbouring countries, where they will be used by local emergency services. AFP
The Danish rescue group Falck A/S has donated 30 ambulances to Ukraine and neighbouring countries, where they will be used by local emergency services. AFP
An aerial view of the remains of the local house of culture following a night air raid in the village of Byshiv, 40 kilometres west of Kyiv, Ukraine. AP
An aerial view of the remains of the local house of culture following a night air raid in the village of Byshiv, 40 kilometres west of Kyiv, Ukraine. AP
People fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine rest in a temporary refugee centre located at a local track-and-field athletics stadium in Chisinau, Moldova. Reuters
People fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine rest in a temporary refugee centre located at a local track-and-field athletics stadium in Chisinau, Moldova. Reuters
Ukrainian Oleg, who decided to remain in Irpin, comforts his son, Maksim, and his wife, Yana, before the arrival of an evacuation train to the city of Kyiv. EPA
Ukrainian Oleg, who decided to remain in Irpin, comforts his son, Maksim, and his wife, Yana, before the arrival of an evacuation train to the city of Kyiv. EPA
Yevghen Zbormyrsky, 49, runs in front of his burning house after being shelled in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv. AFP
Yevghen Zbormyrsky, 49, runs in front of his burning house after being shelled in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv. AFP
People remove personal belongings from a burning house after being shelled in Irpin. AFP
People remove personal belongings from a burning house after being shelled in Irpin. AFP
Medical workers tend to a Ukrainian serviceman wounded during the fighting with Russian troops near the Ukrainian capital, in a hospital in Kyiv. AFP
Medical workers tend to a Ukrainian serviceman wounded during the fighting with Russian troops near the Ukrainian capital, in a hospital in Kyiv. AFP
A mother of a wounded Ukrainian serviceman waits outside his ward in a hospital in Kyiv. AFP
A mother of a wounded Ukrainian serviceman waits outside his ward in a hospital in Kyiv. AFP
Refugees from Ukraine arrive at an assistance point organised in the sports hall of a primary school in Lubycza Krolewska in Poland. EPA
Refugees from Ukraine arrive at an assistance point organised in the sports hall of a primary school in Lubycza Krolewska in Poland. EPA
A member of Ukraine's Territorial Defence Forces at a checkpoint in Kyiv. Reuters
A member of Ukraine's Territorial Defence Forces at a checkpoint in Kyiv. Reuters
People carry their belongings past the debris of last week's combat in Kyiv. AFP
People carry their belongings past the debris of last week's combat in Kyiv. AFP
Shelves in a supermarket stand empty in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine. Reuters
Shelves in a supermarket stand empty in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine. Reuters
War refugees from Ukraine at the assistance point organised at the Torwar sports hall in Warsaw, Poland. EPA
War refugees from Ukraine at the assistance point organised at the Torwar sports hall in Warsaw, Poland. EPA
Ukrainian servicemen, wounded during the fighting with Russian troops near the Ukrainian capital, rest outside a hospital in Kyiv. AFP
Ukrainian servicemen, wounded during the fighting with Russian troops near the Ukrainian capital, rest outside a hospital in Kyiv. AFP
A 3-year-old boy watches cartoons on a tablet while his mother sews military vests for the Ukrainian army in the western city of Lviv. AFP
A 3-year-old boy watches cartoons on a tablet while his mother sews military vests for the Ukrainian army in the western city of Lviv. AFP
A woman's shock as she stands in front of a house burning after being shelled in Irpin, outside Kyiv. AFP
A woman's shock as she stands in front of a house burning after being shelled in Irpin, outside Kyiv. AFP
People fleeing from Ukraine queue to board on a bus at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland. AP
People fleeing from Ukraine queue to board on a bus at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland. AP
Ukrainian refugees are tested for Covid-19 in a reception centre in Vienna, Austria. AFP
Ukrainian refugees are tested for Covid-19 in a reception centre in Vienna, Austria. AFP
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg pose with foreign ministers after a meeting at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Reuters
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg pose with foreign ministers after a meeting at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Reuters
People who fled Ukraine wait for a bus to take them to the train station in Przemysl, at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland. AP Photo
People who fled Ukraine wait for a bus to take them to the train station in Przemysl, at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland. AP Photo
The extraordinary meeting of Nato ministers of foreign affairs about Russian aggression in Ukraine at Nato headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. EPA
The extraordinary meeting of Nato ministers of foreign affairs about Russian aggression in Ukraine at Nato headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. EPA
Messages in support of Ukraine on a board in the Ukrainian pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. AFP
Messages in support of Ukraine on a board in the Ukrainian pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. AFP
Firefighters at a warehouse that caught fire after shelling in the village of Chaiky in the Kyiv region. Reuters
Firefighters at a warehouse that caught fire after shelling in the village of Chaiky in the Kyiv region. Reuters
The wreckage of a missile at a bus terminal in Kyiv. Reuters
The wreckage of a missile at a bus terminal in Kyiv. Reuters
A crater in front of a house damaged by shelling in the village of Hatne. Reuters
A crater in front of a house damaged by shelling in the village of Hatne. Reuters
The damaged administrative building of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Enerhodar, a city in the Zaporizhzhia region. Reuters
The damaged administrative building of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Enerhodar, a city in the Zaporizhzhia region. Reuters
A bright object lands on the grounds of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Enerhodar, Ukraine, during heavy shelling by Russian forces. AP
A bright object lands on the grounds of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Enerhodar, Ukraine, during heavy shelling by Russian forces. AP
Zlata, 3, with her face painted in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, stands on the Romanian side of the border with Ukraine after fleeing the country. AP
Zlata, 3, with her face painted in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, stands on the Romanian side of the border with Ukraine after fleeing the country. AP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends an interview with foreign media in Kyiv. Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends an interview with foreign media in Kyiv. Reuters
Ukrainian artillerymen maintain their position in the Luhansk region. AFP
Ukrainian artillerymen maintain their position in the Luhansk region. AFP
Women and children try to board a train bound for Lviv, at a station in Kyiv. AP
Women and children try to board a train bound for Lviv, at a station in Kyiv. AP
US soldiers on patrol near a military camp in Arlamow, Poland, near the border with Ukraine. AFP
US soldiers on patrol near a military camp in Arlamow, Poland, near the border with Ukraine. AFP
A woman and child look out the window of a train at a station in Kyiv. AP
A woman and child look out the window of a train at a station in Kyiv. AP
A descendant of Ukrainian immigrants attends Mass at a Ukrainian Orthodox church in Canoas, Brazil. Reuters
A descendant of Ukrainian immigrants attends Mass at a Ukrainian Orthodox church in Canoas, Brazil. Reuters
Boxes of donations destined for Ukraine at the St Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Montreal, Canada. AP
Boxes of donations destined for Ukraine at the St Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Montreal, Canada. AP
Firefighters battle a blaze at a damaged building in the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv after a Russian air raid. AP
Firefighters battle a blaze at a damaged building in the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv after a Russian air raid. AP
A woman in Frankfurt, Germany, attends a protest against Russia's military offensive in Ukraine. AFP
A woman in Frankfurt, Germany, attends a protest against Russia's military offensive in Ukraine. AFP

Mr Zelenskyy said 16,000 foreigners have joined Ukraine's military ranks.

But experts say the presence of foreign fighters war could draw other countries into the conflict.

“If Americans start dying in large numbers over there, it's going to be difficult for the US to sit by and watch that,” said Claire Finkelstein, faculty director for the Centre for Ethics and the Rule of Law at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Especially if we have a hostage situation or a situation where we have [prisoners of war] in some sense that need rescuing because they're being ill-treated.”

Under US Law, Ms Finkelstein said Americans are free to fight in Ukraine on both sides but in other countries, like Canada and the UK, the law is more nuanced. Both have laws aimed at deterring citizens from engaging in foreign wars.

In Ukraine, foreigners are entering a complex and dangerous environment, but Mr Mamulashvili said his men are buoyed by a sense of purpose.

“Today, democracy is defended physically in Ukraine. So everybody who has a conscience and knows what democracy and freedom are, they have to come and help you.”

But just because they are willing to fight doesn't mean they can.

The Georgian National Legion and other battalions are only accepting foreigners with military backgrounds — a crushing development for hundreds like Canadian Bryson Woolsey, who is desperate to help.

Damage after the shelling of buildings in central Kharkiv, Ukraine. EPA
Damage after the shelling of buildings in central Kharkiv, Ukraine. EPA
Workers from a local construction company weld anti-tank obstacles to be placed on roads around Kyiv as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues. Reuters
Workers from a local construction company weld anti-tank obstacles to be placed on roads around Kyiv as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues. Reuters
Anti-war protesters attach sunflowers to barriers in front of the Russian embassy. Reuters
Anti-war protesters attach sunflowers to barriers in front of the Russian embassy. Reuters
Ukrainian volunteers prepare food for displaced people outside Lviv railway station in western Ukraine. AP
Ukrainian volunteers prepare food for displaced people outside Lviv railway station in western Ukraine. AP
A Ukrainian soldier holds an anti-tank launcher north-east of Kyiv. AFP
A Ukrainian soldier holds an anti-tank launcher north-east of Kyiv. AFP
Ukrainian refugees rest at Warsaw East train station in Poland. EPA
Ukrainian refugees rest at Warsaw East train station in Poland. EPA
Children look out from a carriage window as a train prepares to depart from a station in Lviv to the town of Uzhhorod near the border with Slovakia. AFP
Children look out from a carriage window as a train prepares to depart from a station in Lviv to the town of Uzhhorod near the border with Slovakia. AFP
A girl who fled Ukraine is reunited with her father in Medyka, south-eastern Poland. AP Photo
A girl who fled Ukraine is reunited with her father in Medyka, south-eastern Poland. AP Photo
Tears outside a house damaged by a Russian airstrike in Gorenka, on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP Photo
Tears outside a house damaged by a Russian airstrike in Gorenka, on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP Photo
A civil defence member is poised to shoot as a vehicle approaches a checkpoint in Gorenka. AP Photo
A civil defence member is poised to shoot as a vehicle approaches a checkpoint in Gorenka. AP Photo
A Ukrainian civil defence member in the garden of a house damaged by a Russian airstrike. AP Photo
A Ukrainian civil defence member in the garden of a house damaged by a Russian airstrike. AP Photo
Members of the US Army 3rd Infantry Division board a plane bound for Germany in Savannah, Georgia. EPA
Members of the US Army 3rd Infantry Division board a plane bound for Germany in Savannah, Georgia. EPA
Prayers for peace in Ukraine at the Vatican's Saint Peter's Square. AFP
Prayers for peace in Ukraine at the Vatican's Saint Peter's Square. AFP
A woman (right) hugs an arriving passenger from a train carrying refugees at Berlin's central station. EPA
A woman (right) hugs an arriving passenger from a train carrying refugees at Berlin's central station. EPA
Firefighters battle a blaze in a Kharkiv police building hit by shelling. AFP
Firefighters battle a blaze in a Kharkiv police building hit by shelling. AFP
A Ukrainian woman makes a phone call after crossing the Slovakian border. AFP
A Ukrainian woman makes a phone call after crossing the Slovakian border. AFP
A doctor takes shelter in the basement of a Kyiv perinatal centre. Reuters
A doctor takes shelter in the basement of a Kyiv perinatal centre. Reuters
Debris which locals say was caused by shelling in separatist-controlled Horlivka, Donetsk. Reuters
Debris which locals say was caused by shelling in separatist-controlled Horlivka, Donetsk. Reuters
MPs in London give a standing ovation to Ukraine ambassador Vadym Prystaiko, who was in the public gallery. AP
MPs in London give a standing ovation to Ukraine ambassador Vadym Prystaiko, who was in the public gallery. AP
Distraught women and children fleeing Ukraine wait to enter Poland at the Korczowa crossing. Getty
Distraught women and children fleeing Ukraine wait to enter Poland at the Korczowa crossing. Getty
Newborn Ivan lies next to his mother as they shelter in the basement of a Kyiv perinatal centre. Reuters
Newborn Ivan lies next to his mother as they shelter in the basement of a Kyiv perinatal centre. Reuters
Firefighters hand water to people in a Ukrainian train full of refugees in Przemysl, Poland. Reuters
Firefighters hand water to people in a Ukrainian train full of refugees in Przemysl, Poland. Reuters
Ukrainian refugees queue to file for residency permits at Prague's police headquarters. AFP
Ukrainian refugees queue to file for residency permits at Prague's police headquarters. AFP
Firefighters work to contain a blaze in buildings housing the Kharkiv regional police department. AFP
Firefighters work to contain a blaze in buildings housing the Kharkiv regional police department. AFP
A woman and her children sit in a tent in the Kyiv subway, using it as a bomb shelter. AP
A woman and her children sit in a tent in the Kyiv subway, using it as a bomb shelter. AP
Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze at the Kharkiv National University building, which city officials said was damaged by Russian shelling. Reuters
Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze at the Kharkiv National University building, which city officials said was damaged by Russian shelling. Reuters
An elderly woman comforts a child as they take shelter inside an underground station in Kyiv. Reuters
An elderly woman comforts a child as they take shelter inside an underground station in Kyiv. Reuters
People queue at a pharmacy in central Kyiv. Reuters
People queue at a pharmacy in central Kyiv. Reuters
A woman is consoled by a volunteer after fleeing from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the border crossing in Siret, Romania. Reuters
A woman is consoled by a volunteer after fleeing from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the border crossing in Siret, Romania. Reuters
A Ukrainian civilian in the city of Zhytomyr practises throwing petrol bombs. Reuters
A Ukrainian civilian in the city of Zhytomyr practises throwing petrol bombs. Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy poses after an interview with Reuters in Kyiv. Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy poses after an interview with Reuters in Kyiv. Reuters
A blast is seen at Kyiv's TV tower. Reuters
A blast is seen at Kyiv's TV tower. Reuters
A girl in Siret, Romania, covers herself with a blanket after fleeing from Ukraine. Reuters
A girl in Siret, Romania, covers herself with a blanket after fleeing from Ukraine. Reuters
Ukraine's ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, acknowledges applause from US first lady Jill Biden as they attend President Joe Biden's first State of the Union address in Washington. AFP
Ukraine's ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, acknowledges applause from US first lady Jill Biden as they attend President Joe Biden's first State of the Union address in Washington. AFP
A man walks past the remains of Russian military vehicles in Bucha, close to Kyiv. AFP
A man walks past the remains of Russian military vehicles in Bucha, close to Kyiv. AFP
Civilians cross a river on a blown-up bridge on Kyiv's northern front. Defending the capital is a 'key priority', Ukraine's president has said. AFP
Civilians cross a river on a blown-up bridge on Kyiv's northern front. Defending the capital is a 'key priority', Ukraine's president has said. AFP
Russian aircraft on the ground at Luninets Airbase, Belarus, about 50 kilometres north of the Ukrainian border. AFP
Russian aircraft on the ground at Luninets Airbase, Belarus, about 50 kilometres north of the Ukrainian border. AFP
People look at the gutted remains of Russian military vehicles on a road in the town of Bucha. AP
People look at the gutted remains of Russian military vehicles on a road in the town of Bucha. AP
A woman with a child who fled from the war in Ukraine reunite with their family after crossing the border in Medyka, Poland. AP
A woman with a child who fled from the war in Ukraine reunite with their family after crossing the border in Medyka, Poland. AP
Animal keeper Kirilo Trantin comforts an elephant at Kyiv Zoo. AP
Animal keeper Kirilo Trantin comforts an elephant at Kyiv Zoo. AP
An armed man stands by the remains of a Russian military vehicle in Bucha. AP
An armed man stands by the remains of a Russian military vehicle in Bucha. AP
Ukrainian families say goodbye as they prepare to board a bus to Poland at Lviv, western Ukraine. AP
Ukrainian families say goodbye as they prepare to board a bus to Poland at Lviv, western Ukraine. AP
Paramedics move a man who was wounded by shelling in a residential area of Mariupol, south-eastern Ukraine. AP
Paramedics move a man who was wounded by shelling in a residential area of Mariupol, south-eastern Ukraine. AP
Rescuers work at the site of a Russian strike in Zhytomyr. Reuters
Rescuers work at the site of a Russian strike in Zhytomyr. Reuters
US actor and director Sean Penn attends a press briefing at the Presidential Office in Kyiv. Reuters
US actor and director Sean Penn attends a press briefing at the Presidential Office in Kyiv. Reuters
Demonstrators participate in a protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at Lafayette Square in Washington. AFP
Demonstrators participate in a protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at Lafayette Square in Washington. AFP
Ukrainian soldiers rest while others eat near the front line with Russian troops in northern Kyiv. AP
Ukrainian soldiers rest while others eat near the front line with Russian troops in northern Kyiv. AP
A barricade made of trams, buses and sand bags is seen through the window of car in the northern part of Kyiv. AP
A barricade made of trams, buses and sand bags is seen through the window of car in the northern part of Kyiv. AP
Members of the European Parliament applaud after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's speech at a special session to debate its response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Reuters
Members of the European Parliament applaud after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's speech at a special session to debate its response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Reuters
Ambassadors and diplomats walk out as Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (on screen) speaks during a recorded message at the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. EPA
Ambassadors and diplomats walk out as Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (on screen) speaks during a recorded message at the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. EPA

The 33-year-old from British Columbia quit his job as a cook to take up arms in Ukraine only to learn from the Ukrainian embassy in Ottawa that he wasn’t eligible.

“I quit the job to go over there and I jumped the gun,” Mr Woolsey said with a chuckle.

But the self-described history buff is undeterred and still searching for ways to help.

“It's kind of, really, the first, I guess, in my lifetime, really big conflict that has brought us to the brink,” he said.

Mr Woolsey said Russia’s unprovoked assault on Ukraine “struck a chord” with him and many others.

“We don't feel like we can sit and watch.”

Mr Woolsey said he wanted to carry on Canada’s strong military history and legacy from the First and Second World Wars.

Determined to help out, he started a GoFundMe page to raise money for various causes in support of Ukraine.

Russia has taken note.

In a press briefing on Thursday, the foreign ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia is seeing "gangsters using western weapons and not even representing legal military units" on the streets of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s resistance, led by Mr Zelenskyy — who reportedly turned down an offer by the US to leave Ukraine — has won the admiration of many around the world.

The Ukrainian embassy in the UK quoted Mr Zelenskyy as telling the US government: “The fight is here. I need ammunition, not a ride.”

Russian forces continue to wage fierce battles in key cities across the country and have taken control of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.

But Mr Mamulashvili and his foreign troops remain committed to the cause.

“I'm 100 per cent sure that we're going to kick their [expletive],” he said defiantly.

Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

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Saturday (all times UAE)

England v Australia, 11.15am 
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Wales v France, 11.15am
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What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

The Voice of Hind Rajab

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Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199

The bio

Job: Coder, website designer and chief executive, Trinet solutions

School: Year 8 pupil at Elite English School in Abu Hail, Deira

Role Models: Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk

Dream City: San Francisco

Hometown: Dubai

City of birth: Thiruvilla, Kerala

What is Diwali?

The Hindu festival is at once a celebration of the autumn harvest and the triumph of good over evil, as outlined in the Ramayana.

According to the Sanskrit epic, penned by the sage Valmiki, Diwali marks the time that the exiled king Rama – a mortal with superhuman powers – returned home to the city of Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, after vanquishing the 10-headed demon Ravana and conquering his kingdom of Lanka. The people of Ayodhya are believed to have lit thousands of earthen lamps to illuminate the city and to guide the royal family home.

In its current iteration, Diwali is celebrated with a puja to welcome the goodness of prosperity Lakshmi (an incarnation of Sita) into the home, which is decorated with diyas (oil lamps) or fairy lights and rangoli designs with coloured powder. Fireworks light up the sky in some parts of the word, and sweetmeats are made (or bought) by most households. It is customary to get new clothes stitched, and visit friends and family to exchange gifts and greetings.  

 

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.4-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20366hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E550Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESix-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh360%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Building boom turning to bust as Turkey's economy slows

Deep in a provincial region of northwestern Turkey, it looks like a mirage - hundreds of luxury houses built in neat rows, their pointed towers somewhere between French chateau and Disney castle.

Meant to provide luxurious accommodations for foreign buyers, the houses are however standing empty in what is anything but a fairytale for their investors.

The ambitious development has been hit by regional turmoil as well as the slump in the Turkish construction industry - a key sector - as the country's economy heads towards what could be a hard landing in an intensifying downturn.

After a long period of solid growth, Turkey's economy contracted 1.1 per cent in the third quarter, and many economists expect it will enter into recession this year.

The country has been hit by high inflation and a currency crisis in August. The lira lost 28 per cent of its value against the dollar in 2018 and markets are still unconvinced by the readiness of the government under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to tackle underlying economic issues.

The villas close to the town centre of Mudurnu in the Bolu region are intended to resemble European architecture and are part of the Sarot Group's Burj Al Babas project.

But the development of 732 villas and a shopping centre - which began in 2014 - is now in limbo as Sarot Group has sought bankruptcy protection.

It is one of hundreds of Turkish companies that have done so as they seek cover from creditors and to restructure their debts.

The%20Killer
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EDavid%20Fincher%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMichael%20Fassbender%2C%20Tilda%20Swinton%2C%20Charles%20Parnell%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
On Women's Day
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Belong%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Michael%20Askew%20and%20Matthew%20Gaziano%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Technology%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%243.5%20million%20from%20crowd%20funding%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Profile of Foodics

Founders: Ahmad AlZaini and Mosab AlOthmani

Based: Riyadh

Sector: Software

Employees: 150

Amount raised: $8m through seed and Series A - Series B raise ongoing

Funders: Raed Advanced Investment Co, Al-Riyadh Al Walid Investment Co, 500 Falcons, SWM Investment, AlShoaibah SPV, Faith Capital, Technology Investments Co, Savour Holding, Future Resources, Derayah Custody Co.

Tomorrow 2021
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

Updated: March 04, 2022, 8:26 PM
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