The Mad and the Brave: The Extraordinary Story of Ukraine's Volunteer Fighting Force

by Colin Freeman

With real-life echoes of SAS Rogue Heroes – this is an astonishing account of Europe’s biggest major conflict, told through the eyes of ragbag collection of foreign fighters

Three days after Russian tanks roll into Ukraine, President Volodymr Zelensky issues a desperate appeal for foreign military volunteers to help defend his country. Thousands answer the call from all over the some of them experienced soldiers, others novices who’ve never held a gun before.

Among their ranks are high-minded idealists, adventure-seekers bored with civilian life, and ex-criminals seeking redemption – all risking their lives against the world's most vicious superpower. Some flee at the first sign of trouble, others become heroes; many are killed, and a few turn their guns on each other.

This is their story – often terrifying, often tragic, sometimes comic, and sometimes glorious…

Genres: Nonfiction, Ukraine, Military Fiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2025

Reviews

[Luke Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book that dives into stories that the news barely skims the surface of.

[Nick Grainger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read on Ukraine’s foreign legions. It largely focuses on the diverse personalities who volunteered to fight for Ukraine, ranging from seasoned combatants to those with little or no military experience. The book explores the motivations of these legion fighters, the initial lack of preparedness, the brutal and evolving nature of the battles, and the harrowing experiences of being taken prisoner. It was an easy read and gave me a deeper appreciation for those who sacrifice the comfort and security of their own homes to defend democracy else where.

[Richard Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I have read alot about the war in Ukraine from various reporters and journalists and knew about the Drone situation from the BBC documentary "Ukraine: On the front Line". This book has very interesting first hand accounts of "The Meatgrinder in Bakhmut", the battles in Mariupol and the Donbas region and the poor organisation of legionnaires as they initially arrived in Ukraine. The story about Daniel Burke, 38, from Wynthenshawe really hit home...Read the book in 4 days...would highly recommend.

[Duncan Swann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life of a mercenary is brutal. The personal stories of why these men (mostly Brits) volunteered to fight against Russia is intriguing. The comparisons to the Spanish Civil War were quite interesting but overall my takeaway is "not for me". I got PUBG flashbacks the whole time.