From U.S. Army to Ukraine’s Frontlines: Murray’s War Against Russia

Murray is an American serviceman who previously served in the U.S. Airborne Forces. In 2022, he joined Ukraine’s Defense Forces and became a company commander in the International Legion under the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU). In an interview for Army TV, he shares why he made this decision and how the war in Ukraine differs from his experience in Afghanistan.

Murray also explains his unit’s missions, recalls his first battles in Ukraine, and comments on the enemy’s tactics. He talks about his experiences interacting with Ukrainians, both on and off the front lines, shares the story behind an award he received, and reflects on how his family and friends reacted to his decision to join the war.

Murray is featured in the film “One Summer in Ukraine” https://youtu.be/__vDbBuGjQE which tells the stories of foreigners who came to Ukraine and joined the International Legion under the DIU.

❗️Watch another interview with John, a U.S. Marine who also joined the International Legion under the DIU: https://youtu.be/9LmuEs-x4eM

NAVIGATION
00:00 - Things forbidden in the U.S. Army
00:32 - Why joining the Ukrainian Army was an easy decision
05:02 - Following the war in Ukraine since 2014
07:31 - What happens if Ukraine loses
10:47 - Responsibilities of a company commander in the International Legion under the DIU
14:10 - First battles in Ukraine and experiences across different fronts
16:14 - Russians and how to counter their tactics
23:29 - Brief conversations with Russians
25:30 - “The war in Afghanistan was completely different”
30:03 - How many Nazis he’s met in Ukraine and overall impressions of the country
39:23 - Joining the International Legion under the DIU
42:12 - Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky
45:28 - Support from family and friends
48:31 - War is terrifying, but it pushes you to become better
53:14 - Compliments to Ukrainian soldiers and units
56:26 - Language barrier and overcoming it
01:01:00 - Margot from Kherson
01:02:13 - How S.T.A.L.K.E.R. shaped his passion
01:04:39 - Plans to stay in Ukraine

Леонід Мацієвський https://www.instagram.com/matsiievskii.leonid/

A few words about the Army TV team: it comprises professional military personnel, volunteers, and conscripts serving in the Defense Forces since the first days of the full-scale invasion. Most of us have combat experience. Before the full-scale Russian invasion, we worked as journalists, directors, hosts, and editors. Now, we combine military service with our media expertise.

We are constantly on the front line. The channel’s studio, where daily programs are live streaming, is also close to the front.

📲 Subscribe to Army TV’s social media channels to stay updated on the most important events from the front lines!
🔷 Telegram https://t.me/army_tv
🔷 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/armytv.ua/
🔷 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/army_tv_ua/
🔷 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@army_tv_ua
🔷 X https://x.com/army_tv_ua

🎙️ And don’t forget to listen to our PODCASTS:
🔷 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6r3UPESDJfo6nlHn8UjHeX
🔷 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/армія-tv-–-інтервю/id1750293052
🔷 YouTube https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL57tjKWaBro2A9BedUsfPZa93D27VNSOq