Drones, War & Life in Ukraine: Exclusive with US Marine Rodi
In this episode of Expats In Ukraine, host Corrie Nieto sits down with Rodi, a US Marine turned FPV drone engineer for the Ukrainian military. Known for his popular YouTube channel @CivDiv, Rodi shares his unique journey from van life in the US to joining the fight against Russia. He discusses the challenges of serving in the Marine Corps, his transition to fighting with the YPG in Syria, and why he chose to come to Ukraine at the outbreak of the full-scale invasion. Rodi provides insight into the foreign fighter experience, the critical role of FPV drones in Ukraine’s defense strategy, and the importance of staying mentally grounded amidst the horrors of war. Whether it’s about his personal motivations, his experiences on the front line, or his work on life-saving drone technology, Rodi’s story is a must-watch for anyone interested in Ukraine’s fight for freedom and the role of foreign volunteers. Stay tuned to hear how he navigates complex battlefield dynamics and what keeps him coming back to Ukraine time and time again.