Larson, an Army veteran, has made several statements about the importance of supporting Ukraine. After serving in Iraq and spending six months on the front lines in the Kharkiv region as part of the International Legion, he founded the Seattle-based volunteer organization Ukraine Defense Support. The organization has already raised over $2 million to support the Ukrainian military. A member of the International Legion explains why Americans should see Ukraine as an ally and a democracy that defends Western values.
According to the according to Ukrinform, citing Volodymyr Ilchenko, New York.
Carl Larson, a U.S. Army veteran and former combatant in Iraq, voluntarily joined the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion began. After serving in the Kharkiv region, he returned to Seattle and founded the nonprofit organization Ukraine Defense Support, which has already raised over $2 million for technical assistance to the Ukrainian army.
"We will do everything possible to help every Ukrainian unit on the front lines. I really enjoy getting individual Americans involved and helping to save lives and defend democracy in Ukraine. Everyone I work with and I firmly believe that Ukraine is fighting for America, and it is our privilege and duty to support Ukraine when it needs it," said Larson.
The veteran is also actively involved in political advocacy within the American Coalition for Ukraine. In his opinion, the strongest argument for supporting Ukraine is moral.
"Ukraine is a sister democracy in a difficult situation, under attack from brutal, authoritarian evil seeking to destroy democracy everywhere. Once Americans learn from a trusted source that Ukraine is fighting for them and making sacrifices for America's security, they usually become staunch supporters of Ukraine," he added.
Larson criticized U.S. defense policy, noting that American security forces are not prepared for drone attacks while Ukraine and Israel are years ahead. He also endorsed the idea of a "mega-deal" between the U.S. and Ukraine involving an exchange of drones for American weapons.
"The future of war lies with drones, not tanks. Unfortunately, procurement processes in the U.S. and NATO defense sectors focus on past wars rather than on fighting aggressive and innovative adversaries such as Russia or China,” he emphasized, calling for the development of local production of dual-use defense equipment.
For Americans who want to help, he recommends joining volunteer initiatives such as European Action for Ukraine (EAU). EAU focuses on strengthening European support for Ukraine's defense. However, the group also works in Washington and invites citizens of any democratic country to join.
Author: Inna Mikhno