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“I do not wish to discuss my injuries. They are insignificant in comparison to the deaths of children and civilians caused by Russian attacks,” said Miro Vanadze during an interview with The Star.

Miro Vanadze, a two-time world champion in mixed martial arts (MMA), talks quietly about accolades and awards.

For him, the most significant part of his life is no longer recorded in the ring but on the battlefields of Ukraine, where he has served as a volunteer and soldier since the beginning of Russia’s invasion.

Vanadze, a citizen of Georgia, resided in Ukraine prior to the conflict. When Russian troops initiated their large-scale invasion, he stated that the choice to remain and offer assistance was instinctive.

I used to live in Ukraine before the war began, and once it started, I joined as a volunteer to support Ukrainians during this tough period,” Vanadze said. “My father once told me that the country you reside in becomes your second home.

When Russian forces moved towards Kyiv during the initial stage of the invasion, Vanadze became part of a Ukrainian military unit.

He was sent to Bucha and Irpin, areas that subsequently became emblems of the harshness of the initial conflict.

“When the Russian forces began attacking Kyiv, I joined one of the Ukrainian military units,” he stated.

The expense of the war turned personal right from the start. Vanadze lost two close friends, fellow soldiers, in the early phases of the conflict.

At the beginning of the conflict, I lost two of my closest friends,” he said. “They were soldiers just like me, and now I realize that freedom knows no boundaries. I am Georgian, but I must be involved in this war.

Vanadze’s choice to compete emerged even though he had a prosperous athletic career.

A renowned MMA fighter, he has secured two world championships and continues to participate in the sport while recovering from injuries incurred during the war.

I was a world champion and I remain a world champion in MMA,” he stated. “I have two titles to my name, but I chose to safeguard the people of Ukraine because, for me, this is more significant than accolades.

Despite not being on the front lines because of an injury, Vanadze remains actively involved in Ukraine’s sports and community activities.

He is currently one of the key organizers of MMA events in the nation, an initiative he claims offers both stability and optimism during times of conflict.

I am now among the key organizers of MMA events in Ukraine,” he stated. “I am pleased when I see people and children, and I strive to assist in enhancing their abilities.

The reaction to his choice to engage in the fight has been varied, as he acknowledged. While some colleagues have opted to stay out of it, others from different backgrounds have come forward.

“There are still many individuals who fail to grasp what is occurring and are unwilling to step away from their comfort or businesses to volunteer,” Vanadze stated.

Nevertheless, there are numerous Ukrainians who value what I did. There are also many former athletes and entrepreneurs who have become volunteers and are creating history.

Vanadze cautioned that the consequences of the conflict extend beyond Ukraine’s boundaries, contending that not standing up to Russia would lead to the loss of the nation’s identity.

“We must realize that if we do not safeguard Ukraine, there will be Russian flags and language here, which would signify the end of Ukraine’s existence,” he stated.

We fear a third world war, and we must step away from our comfort, interests, businesses, and careers to safeguard our freedom, nation, and fellow citizens.

Far from the war zone, Vanadze combines military imagery with community involvement.

He serves as the President of the International Assembly of the Georgian People, a worldwide organization dedicated to aiding Georgian communities overseas.

There are times when I need to wear a suit,” he said, “but when I give talks or classes to children, I dress in a military uniform to display our symbols and emblems and to discuss the challenges we encounter. It is essential for children to be aware of this.

Grief, he mentioned, has changed his perspective on life. “For me, it doesn’t matter what I wear,” Vanadze stated.

I lost my emotions after losing people who were close to me. I no longer celebrate my birthday—it’s just another day. All I do now is work and defend Ukraine.

The International Assembly of the Georgian People, which he leads, is not a political movement, Vanadze emphasized, despite common misunderstandings.

We are one of the biggest Georgian organizations in the world,” he said. “Our aim is to bring together Georgian people and assist them with the challenges they encounter overseas, such as paperwork and legal matters.

He criticized the political conditions in Georgia, alleging that its leaders were cooperating with Moscow.

“Some individuals refer to us as a political party, but this is not accurate. We do not engage in politics,” he stated.

In Georgia, there is a lack of democracy and freedom due to the administration’s pro-Russian stance. A significant number of students have left the country, which presents a major issue.

Vanadze’s daily schedule is structured by the realities of war and rebuilding. “My day begins at 6 a.m.,” he mentioned. “I participate in rehabilitation, then head to my office at 10 a.m. We hold numerous meetings and events with a large team.”

He characterized the conflict as a “hybrid war,” involving not just weapons but also the spread of false information.

There is a front line, but there is also an information war filled with propaganda,” he said. “I am not currently at the front line; I work on internal logistics.

Vanadze also utilized his platform to directly address European leaders. “I urge the European Parliament to impose sanctions on the illegitimate pro-Russian government of Georgia, release all political prisoners, and free former president Mikheil ‘Misha’ Saakashvili,” he stated. “Glory to Georgia. Glory to Ukraine.”

Although he has sustained injuries, Vanadze is still committed to making a comeback in professional sports. “I will come back because sports are my life,” he stated. “I enjoy training and competing, but I was injured on the front line and hope my leg will completely heal.”

When asked about fear, Vanadze mentioned that survival has reshaped the concept of success.

Every day in Ukraine is a victory since every night missiles and drones strike us,” he stated. “My greatest fear was losing my closest friend, who shared my vision of a free Ukraine.

He claimed that Ukraine is still engaged in a conflict with inadequate global support.

Ukraine is not getting sufficient assistance,” Vanadze stated. “This is not solely Ukraine’s conflict—it is a battle for all of Europe, a fight for freedom and territory.

In a concluding statement, Vanadze called on the international community to not turn their gaze away.

If you desire to live with freedom, do not overlook this scenario,” he stated. “Even minor assistance can preserve lives. Russia would hesitate to invade if we possessed sufficient military supplies.