Rod Nickel, Andrew Hay

(Reuters] – The Ukrainian government asked for help from Canadians to assist in fighting Russia’s invasion.

Canadians and Americans said to Reuters that the Ukrainian resistance was inspiring them, despite both their countries refusing to send troops there out of concern of provoking a war. Many fear their democratic rights in the home and Europe will be under threat if they fail to act.

Volodymyr Zeleskiy, Ukrainian President, demanded Sunday the creation of “international legion”. Some of the young volunteers have already made their way to Ukraine in order to join.

Many others are applying to Ukrainian consulates and embassies after quitting their job or leaving university.

On Monday, Friday and the fifth day of fighting, Russian artillery shelled Ukraine’s second-largest capital Kharkiv.

26-year-old, a former soldier of the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division Infantry who had planned to go with ex-military personnel, said, “I feel guilty not to go.” Despite being asked to identify himself and his movements on social media, the native of Alabama declined to reveal his name.

After seeing Zelenskiy appeal, Canadian Bryson Woolsey left his position as a chef to go and become a volunteer cook. He is not a military veteran and has plans to fly to Poland to cross the border into Ukraine, and then to become a combat volunteer.

Woolsey (33), from Powell River, British Columbia felt compelled to act after he saw images of children and women in Ukraine.

On Sunday, Melanie Joly, Canada’s foreign minister said that it was for each Canadian to choose whether or not they want to be part of the international brigade in Ukraine. An immediate response was not provided by the U.S. Department of State to our request for comment.

Some volunteers are not willing to fight.

Julien Auger, a 35-year old physician from Quebec was about to leave his family and become a doctor with Ukraine’s Health Ministry. He also provided “neutral” humanitarian assistance.

“Global opinion and support is the key right now to solving the conflict,” said Auger, a father of two who provides palliative care at a hospital in Saint-Jérôme.

Online, veterans of the military warned those without combat experience that they would be entering a conflict in which their lack of training could prove to be dangerous for others and themselves.

Tai B. was 23 years old and studied Journalism in New York.

Tai said, “I don’t want to be a hero or a martyr. I just want something to do right.” He can also do basic mechanics, and is able to use a gun. Tai has reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine about joining Zelenskiy’s “international legion.”

Hyde, who is a 28 year-old American Midwesterner, stated that he was in Kyiv already and expects to begin military training on Tuesday.

Hyde said, “I can’t bear the idea of Europe being once more plunged into war.” He hopes to get a helmet, body armor and knee pads as well, eventually, a rifle.

A software developer in Austin, Texas said that he will use his U.S. Army Cadet experience to help Ukraine.

The 25-year old said, “If they are willing to defend democracy, then I believe those who benefit from a democratic societies are duty bound to support” and asked not to be identified. “I won’t tell my parents until I get to the airport.”