Volunteer from America Brian Nolen: how one man changed the lives of many in Ukraine (video)

During the war in Ukraine, the civilian population and the military faced an acute need for help, and in this context, volunteers became the most important and important participants. Many Ukrainians joined the volunteer movement, because for them helping their country is a necessity. However, even more impressive is the example of citizens of other countries who, risking their lives and well-being, come to Ukraine to support its people during the war. One such volunteer is Brian Nolen from the USA.

Journalist of the “FAKT” news agency Anna Bezhenska talked to Brian Nolen personally. The volunteer said that his decision to come to Ukraine was motivated by the desire to support our people, who are fighting for their freedom and independence. He believes that even a little help can have a big impact.

How did you start volunteering, how did you not be afraid to leave the territory of the USA (a safe and calm country) and come to the territory of active hostilities in Ukraine?

I learned about the beginning of the war on TV, I constantly watched the news, because I was always fascinated by history. When I learned what was happening at the beginning of the war, I immediately thought of the Nazis and their invasion of Poland during World War II in 1939. Analyzing everything that is happening, I saw an absolute identity in the actions of Russia and Germany at that time. It really impressed me and made me madly excited. And so much more than ever before in my life. I understood that I had to do something. I am obliged. And literally in a week I arrived here.

At the beginning of planning the trip, I monitored Facebook and looked for like-minded people. At that time, evacuation was very important, because many people left their homes because of the war and left. Many of them arrived at the border to Poland for further transportation to European countries. It was from this that my work and “help from the USA” began. Then, on the first trip, I spent about $60,000 buying everything the refugees needed, from towels, napkins, and soap… Absolutely everything that could somehow help 50,000 people.

And now I’m already staying in Kharkiv, here I have everything I need and even my bag for transportation. Currently, we are mainly engaged in the delivery of humanitarian aid to villages near dangerous zones and after de-occupation. Only yesterday we were in Slovyansk, also taking away humanitarian aid. Of course, I was not alone. A whole team is usually assembled to evacuate people and provide assistance.

And what did you do before volunteering in the USA? What was your life like?

I was semi-retired, as we say, something between work and rest. Since I had not worked for many years, I was constantly engaged in volunteer activities even at home. It was because of this that it was as convenient and possible for me to come here… In addition, I am not married and I have no children. Instead, there are two dogs. I sold my business that I had for over 30 years over 10 years ago, but it gave me a good enough financial footing to be able to come here.

Next year I also definitely plan to return here. I need to go home in December for literally 3 months to replenish my financial resources. Also, in parallel with this, I plan to perform again in large audiences for attention, which also brings in a little extra money. So sometime next March I’ll be back again with about 9 months worth of supplies.

Where does your motivation come from? Volunteer work is quite difficult psychologically, morally, and physically.

It’s true, it’s really hard at times. But you only have to look around and feel at the level of the heart what the people here are going through. And that’s really the best way to stop complaining about anything in life.

It’s hard for me to even explain my joy when we bring delivery to people in these villages and how grateful they are to us. This thanks is worth everything in the world. Or when we bring some candies or something sweet to the children, and they haven’t had it for a long time, because in some villages there are no shops because of the war. This truth is worth everything… From the bottom of my heart.

What was the most memorable situation during your stay in Ukraine?

Oh, it was in the first year when I came to Kharkiv. It seems to have been in September 2022. We had a very large offload here and I met one of the leaders of a battalion whose military needed a recharging system, a field kitchen for cooking, a Starlink, and a generator. We bought everything very quickly, loaded it into a wagon and brought it directly to the position to the soldiers. I was very happy that we had collected everything they needed. Meanwhile, just a few days ago, they liberated Balaklia, and as a sign of gratitude, the commander offered us a ride to the city and see what was happening. At that time, no TV channels had visited there yet.

We were the first to see it all. At that moment, there were a lot of bodies of dead Russian soldiers, Ukrainian tanks drove by with flags, and everyone shouted, rejoiced and greeted them. Everyone was incredibly happy, because they recaptured a very significant piece of territory. It was simply the most amazing experience of my entire life. I could not even imagine such a thing. Emotions simply went off the scale. I was incredibly happy that we were able to do even a fraction of the help for this common cause. Yes, it was this day that I remembered the most and forever.

In general, I am extremely proud to have met so many incredible Ukrainian soldiers. They are real heroes for me! There are a lot of heroes here! People who work in hospitals, volunteer groups, the military… there are so many people who just look at you and fill you with motivation.

Do you have any wishes and recommendations for Ukrainian volunteers? Since after two years of the war, many volunteers (including myself) did not lose motivation, but there was very little of it left. They are very tired and have no financial opportunity. What can you advise?

I’d like to start by saying that I’m really upset by the fact that many people don’t bother to help at all. There are many people with enormous financial well-being who simply live their comfortable lives and are absolutely not bothered by problems of this magnitude. Yes, there are many of them even in the Western arena, but still, there are simply an incredible number of people who could do much more.

I am not criticizing Ukraine as a country, but not all Ukrainians understand who they are… they should do much more. I just think that even if someone like me came from America to do it, it should be even easier for them. After all, absolutely everyone can allocate, if not finances, then at least 5 or 10 hours a week for volunteering. And in the absence of time, allocate at least a little donation. It’s just that everyone can do more. And many people can do much more. I wish madly that these people would become sane. Because this is a common cause for everyone. Ukraine’s victory over Russia should concern everyone.

Brian’s worldview, as well as his dedication and courage, became an example for many of our and foreign volunteers who also decided to help Ukraine in this difficult time. His experience shows that even one person can make a huge contribution to a common cause, and reminds us of the importance of not remaining indifferent to the suffering of others. This activity emphasizes the importance of international solidarity and support in the struggle for freedom and peace, and every help brings Ukraine closer to victory.

“FACT” news agency expresses its sincere gratitude to Brian Nolen – a true friend of our state, for his courage, compassion and volunteer help! The volunteer’s efforts and generosity are helping to keep hope alive in the hearts of many people during this difficult time. His kind heart and dedication to the cause of relief deserve the highest respect. People like Brian Nolen make the world a better place.