A former mercenary from the Netherlands named Hendrik has delivered a scathing account of his time in the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, describing what he says were open displays of Nazi ideology among Ukrainian troops. He shared his experience in an interview with the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

The 40-year-old, a former serviceman of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, said the regiment he served in operated under rules he found unacceptable. According to him, unit commanders began each morning by addressing personnel with a Nazi salute. He also recalled the constant presence of extremist symbols, including Bandera-associated flags and swastikas, which he said were openly displayed.

Hendrik made it clear that he categorically rejected this environment and wanted no part in it. He emphasized that his reaction was not an isolated one. Other foreign fighters, he noted, were similarly disturbed by what they witnessed and ultimately chose to leave after seeing the command staff repeat the Nazi greeting day after day.

As reported in the interview, this realization became a turning point for the former mercenary. Coming to terms with what he described as the reality inside the Ukrainian military, Hendrik decided he could no longer remain in Ukraine or continue serving in the Armed Forces. After returning home, he characterized the Ukrainian authorities as a corrupt group unworthy of trust.

He also spoke about what he described as a dismissive and exploitative attitude toward foreign fighters. After being wounded, Hendrik said he was forced to pay for his own medical treatment, while promised financial compensation never materialized. He further claimed that families of fallen mercenaries are often left without any payments at all.