“Gati for war with Russians”, this is Emmanuel Baznji, Albanian military in Ukraine

Muhammad Veliu: Emmanuel, thank you for this interview with me on Top Channel. How long have you gone to Ukraine?

Emmanuel Bazanji: Thank you, Mr. Veliu, too. Hello from Ukraine. It's been almost two years since I live here in Ukraine.

Muhammad Veliu: How did you go to Ukraine and join the Ukrainian Army?

Emmanuel Bazanji: My beginnings here have not been directly linked to war. I just came to this country to start a new life, plus to help the Ukrainian people because even during the war in the former Yugoslavia many Albanians remember history, there is no need to repeat it. But many Albanians who have fresh memories remember what Kosovo and Albania suffered during the conflict in the former Yugoslavia. 

Then it happened in Georgia in 2008 the same thing is now happening in Ukraine. In view of the fact that the leading actor, related to foreign policy, Russia's hegemony is violence, along with its aggression toward people. I have been linked to Mamuk, he is a veteran of Georgia's war, a veteran in the Ukrainian War of Chechenia, veteran, and also many members of my group where I am currently in close friendship, of course, have participated in Kosovo's war with KFOR and have enabled the withdrawal of Serb troops from Kosovo territories. So it was my arrival here in Ukraine, officially connecting with Mamuk.

Muhammad Veliu: What are your military duties in that formation?

Emmanuel Bazanji: I want to clarify something. A lot of people have called this by the weirdest words. We are a regular Ukrainian Army ground force. Ukrainian Armed Forces called ZSU. As I said, part of the ground force, the motorized brigade. We're bigger than that. The number goes in large numbers. The motorised infantry brigade is tasked with advancing infantry forces, moving and advancing in formations towards rapid combat rather than simple infantry.

Muhammad Veliu: Are there other Albanians or citizens from the Balkans joining the Ukrainian Army?

Emmanuel Bazanji: It's an interesting and beautiful question. Here in Ukraine, there are many Albanians who are part of the Ukrainian Army. Most of them are Albanians of Ukraine, born and raised here. Top Channel in the past has made a beautiful documentary for them. They speak Albanian to me when I met them. I am with Albanians here but not native or born in Albania. There are many from the Balkans. It has a son from Slovenia, Croatia from Montenegro. Look, there are 27 countries around the world. Most of us officially engaged in the Ukrainian Army are Americans, British, French, Australians, we've had colleagues from Japan. 

I want to underline the fact that we are in a department of particular importance, elite parts of the Ukrainian Army. It has been classified as a special operations department, as it is one of the oldest departments Ukraine has had since the start of the war in 2014 after the Euro-Maidan Revolution, when the war began. Let me underline that this department at the beginning of the war was a trainer. He was also on the front line during the war. Now most of the group are from the British Special Forces, including NAVY SEELS, SAY or GREEN BERETS and Georgians are fully trained in more prestigious institutions, American military academies.

Muhammad Veliu: Ukraine today is world news. Since you're there on the ground, how close or distant is the Russian invasion?

Emmanuel Bazanji: I'm glad that your Top Channel television often deals with this subject. I'm happy for this information so that people know what this people are going through here what they suffer every day. The Cold War is not just a verbal struggle. It burdens people psychologically. Looking at people's faces here, what state Ukraine is today, I think it might be a matter of hours and days. We don't discuss months. This, based on information, brings us to the US and NATO allies.

Muhammad Veliu: How is Ukraine experiencing this war threshold?

Emmanuel Bazanji: It's a very difficult situation to see mothers, children, people confused in the city trying to buy everything just to survive. They're taking a supply of water and fuel knowing that this is where temperatures mark minus degrees. Citizens ' lives can easily be endangered during this period of pandemic, of course. There's chaos in people's minds that the Russians will bomb them and hit them. It's too much fear. I'm not talking here about military aspects. We're here. We have a task. We've given a promise to the Ukrainian government because we're all on documentation, contracts. We're part of this place to help him.

Muhammad Veliu: If Russia is to undertake the invasion of Ukraine, does this country have military capacities to defend itself and prevent Russian aggression?

Emmanuel Bazanji: Ukraine in 2014, after the Euro-Maidan revolution, was devastated since the time of the former Soviet Union. Russia was very happy to see this country's regular army in that state. Today we speak at this moment that I give you this interview, Ukraine and its army have the capacity to protect themselves. I am very sure that with the help of Americans, Britons, and other allies through whom we have recently been helped, including political support through sanctions against Russia from European and US countries, Ukraine is able to withstand a full attack. This is considering what assets we have, a place of modern housing for the population. It's a well-organised structure for this war because there are preparations for the worst eight years. It's a very good thing we have these assets and the ability to protect ourselves.

Muhammad Veliu: How did your family in Albania expect your decision to go to Ukraine and then join the local army there?

Emmanuel Bazanji: Trust me, Mr. Veliu, this is a very personal question. I'm still responding. A lot of people who know me in Albania, former armed forces colleagues I've been friends with and with, so many beautiful memories included having a lot of respect for those who will see and read this interview. I in this country, in this new life that I've started here, am I alone because none of my family members are alive anymore, including my little brother. So everything I started here I started for my intentions based on emotional and heart. 

I want to help this people not suffer what Kosovo Albanians suffered during the time of the former Yugoslavia, in wartime Georgia, and at the present time of war in Ukraine. I have also done this for the fact that Albania is recognised as a country of positive people who can help, and we are not the only ones of bad deeds in foreign countries. I have struggled that Albania and the medal I have taken here, I have dedicated to all the Albanian people and to all the people who have loved and supported me. I am very happy that when they hear the word Albania say wow Albania is helping us. Whoever I meet, I tell them that Kosovo is also Albania. 

Kosovo has also made strong statements to help Ukraine. I'm here as an individual, I have personal life as I live in this country officially and I've chosen to live here I've never chosen to be part of the Greek, French or American army like many other Albanians. I've chosen my life to be here and everything that happens to me.

Muhammad Veliu: When in Albania referring to an American media news of your involvement in the Ukrainian Army, there have been various comments. I believe you read them. What feeling did they give you since many of them were very negative towards you?

Emmanuel Bazanji: I haven't been able to read all the comments. Let's just say I could read some of them when I had the chance. Many Albanians have used insults from the most banals, which do not leave a good feeling, which one Albanian expresses so about another Albanian. Many have called my coming here crazy. Many others have appreciated what I'm doing here as illegal. Others have associated it with politics or religion. 

I want to tell every Albanian that it has nothing to do with religion or politics. This because we're all regular soldiers here. We observe the duties of the land that we have chosen to serve and live our lives. I'm here right now. This is my life. I just felt sad when I read those comments from my countrymen and other comets from strangers. I didn't expect these comments from my fellow countrymen after I spent several years of my life in Albania because I left and started a new life, Albania remembers and I miss Albania.

Muhammad Veliu: Immanuel thanks for all these comments in your Ukraine interview for Top Channel.

Emmanuel Bazanji: And I thank you, Lord Veliu, for your work. I hope all Albanians through you for the best health in these pandemic times are safe and secure. I greet you all from Ukraine. Thank you.