A few days ago, we were able to read in various media outlets, such as El Mundo, an article about a soldier from La Mancha in the International Legion of the Ukrainian army. Pedro Diaz Flores, born in Herencia (Ciudad Real), 26 years old and a former Spanish soldier. We have been able to contact him through secure communication channels to conduct this interview which we share below:
Herencia.net: First of all, tell us a little about yourself, your origins, your military training, …
My name is Pedro Diaz Flores Corrales. 26 years old, former soldier.
Regarding this question, it’s difficult to explain.
I was born in Herencia and grew up there until I was 6 years old, although I came every year until I was 18. From then on, I only came occasionally to see my family at Christmas or in the summer, as I live in Alicante.
I came very rarely after my mother’s death (7 years ago) and lost contact with my mother’s side of the family for various reasons. Since then, I only come to see my grandmother on my father’s side every year, if I can.
Regarding the news that was published about my death, including obituaries, people attending my funeral, and even talking to my mother, and other strange details… spreading the news through many media outlets.
They even fabricated information such as… that I was selling embalmed fingers of Russian soldiers on my Instagram or eBay.
There was a reward in Russia for my head, dead or alive, worth thousands of dollars. This was published by a Russian news agency on the VK platform.
They also made my ID card public, and other sensitive information. As the passport was a fake.
I received harassment on social media from Russian users, pro-Russians and bots. The news of my false death was spread through more than 70 Russian newspapers.
On Telegram channels with more than 1 million people and several other news channels (.ru news channels, TikTok, VK, YouTube and Instagram).
My family in Herencia even received a visit from two fake police officers with Eastern European features who identified themselves as police officers, with fake badges.
I called several police stations because it didn’t make sense to me that my aunts were alarmed by the Judicial Police of Albacete asking for information about where I lived. (If there is a search order, who is in charge in the National Police of Alicante, and they have my information) (and by showing only a badge without the TIP… the identification card… which includes a photo and name… unit) This set off alarms and the Civil Guard contacted my aunts on my mother’s side.
They confirmed that these people were not police.
This case is being handled by the CNI and the embassy as it is of an international nature.
Herencia.net: Do you have the support of your family? How do they feel about your decision?
I have little contact with my family, neither on my mother’s nor my father’s side currently, everyone has their own life.
My father and brother are aware of where I am going.
Herencia.net: Why did you decide to enlist and go to fight in Ukraine?
A combination of values, to provide experience in different fields, and to know inside that you have to go in the face of such barbarity.
Herencia.net: Is prior military experience necessary to enlist?
Yes/No, it depends on where you enlist. There are several… International Legion, AZOV, Pravy Sektor, and others (the most famous).
It depends on how the situation is at that time. Depending on your experience, you are given different assignments and lines (first, second or third line… infantry… artillery, etc.).
Mainly, military experience is required and having belonged to the FAS (missions abroad are valued, as well as rank and specialty). You must pass an interview with the battalion commander.
Some without experience are usually referred to the Georgian Legion where they are usually given instruction and paramedic courses for a long period (the Georgian Legion is linked to the international), which only accepts inexperienced volunteers here.
There are official means for enlistment, such as websites or Telegram channels.
AZOV has a website and Telegram with a form for requests on both platforms.
The International Legion also has a website and email.
The volunteer process, from the time you do the paperwork until you get the green light and the interviews with the battalion commander in Ukraine, usually takes 3-4 weeks, and everything is managed in Ternopil. So you have to take care of your expenses until you get the green light and the interviews with the battalion commander. (THESE DETAILS ARE ONLY FOR INTERNATIONAL LEGION)
It is essential to have work experience, a military ID card (TIM), passport, ID card, gun permit, courses, military history, etc.
Regarding equipment, there are several foundations that usually make donations of military material. But they need military uniformity, boots, IFAK, etc.
Herencia.net: Does the Spanish government know about the Spanish volunteers? If so, do they provide any kind of assistance or support?
Of course, they do. The embassy is aware of all the Spaniards who enter and leave. There is control over them, and they take care of everyone who is there. There is also the information police who usually contact the majority once they have returned to Spain.
Herencia.net: What is the daily life of a soldier in a battlefield like? How do civilians live in the midst of all this?
There is no daily routine as it varies, but it’s complicated depending on the resistance, the progress, and the orders to be followed by your unit. You can be training… taking courses, or sent to a destination for defense or attack.
Depending on the season you are in, everything becomes more uphill or downhill. 50% is morale, and it has to be kept high.
In the battlefield, you never know what will happen… the uncertainty, as speaking of military strategy of what to do or not…
it practically doesn’t exist… day to day surprises you… for good things or for horrible things.
Civilians, despite so much misery, remain strong and brave. They never give up. They are excellent people who see you and share what little they have with you. Despite losing their families, their homes, and half their lives, they will fight to the death to defend their rights and freedom. UNITED
Herencia.net: Do you regret the decision to go to Ukraine?
At no time have I considered that it was a wrong decision. I am firm in my decisions.
Herencia.net: Have you considered returning?
Yes, I am processing some papers and some issues despite the events of this month. Once they are sorted out, I will go there.
Herencia.net: How do you see the situation there?
The situation changes, but the situation is more than good. We made the Russian army retreat from 25 km of Kiev to be repressed in the south and east. It is a victory for the Ukrainian army and forces and a great defeat for the Russians.
The morale is very high among Ukrainians. Currently, the advances by Russian troops are very slow, and in several months, they have lost several key positions. Their logistics are terrible, and speaking of supplies is even worse.
This is a war of attrition, and whoever gets more economic support will win, and also, Western weapons are a great support.
Herencia.net: Do you think we will see a quick solution?
As I told you before, it is a war of attrition. I don’t know if Russia will learn from the mistakes they have made (which I doubt) as they are repeat offenders in making mistakes.
And Ukraine simply will not surrender, no matter what happens, from 2014 until today.
From Herencia.net, we thank Pedro for the interview, which we transcribed as he shared it with our questions. The photographs that we share below were also sent to us by Pedro.
Interview with a Herencia local on the Ukrainian War Front 1
Interview with a Herencia local on the Ukrainian War Front 2
Interview with a Herencia local on the Ukrainian War Front 3
Interview with a Herencia local on the Ukrainian War Front 4
Interview with a Herencia local on the Ukrainian War Front 5
Interview with a Herencia local on the Ukrainian War Front 6
Interview with a Herencia local on the Ukrainian War Front 7
Spanish post in Entrevista a un herenciano en el frente de la guerra en Ucrania
