Calvin Price, a 27-year-old Irishman who left his business in Dublin to fight in Ukraine, has sustained severe injuries, including the loss of both legs due to a landmine explosion. Speaking from his hospital bed in Lviv, where he awaits prosthetic limbs, Price stated he would undertake the same journey again to aid Ukraine in its defense against Russia. "I regret nothing," he said, describing his experience fighting on the front lines for two years.
Price, who previously owned a car valet and window tinting business, felt compelled to join the conflict after witnessing an interview detailing the suffering of civilians. Two weeks after seeing the report, he booked a flight to Ukraine. Despite having no prior combat experience, he was motivated by his physical fitness and a desire to contribute. He initially joined volunteer brigades, receiving on-the-job training while engaging in missions.
"It's actually crazy how I ended up coming here," Price admitted. He described his initial arrival as surreal, being picked up by soldiers and taken to a military base where missiles flew overhead. He mentioned that his lifelong aspiration to join the military was thwarted by Ireland's tattoo policy, making his experience in Ukraine particularly fulfilling.
He served with the Da Vinci Wolfs before transferring to the Third Assault Brigade in the Donetsk Region. Price was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Approximately nine months ago, he sustained his first serious injury when his six-man team was ambushed by Russian forces. Leading the mission, he was shot in the leg and, after a difficult extraction, spent a month in the hospital. Despite medical recommendations for further rehabilitation, he returned to duty, only to be assigned to training roles due to his leg injury. It was during this period that his partner, Maria, also from Dublin, came to Ukraine to be with him.
The incident that resulted in the loss of his legs occurred during an evacuation after a four-and-a-half-month combat mission where his unit was encircled. "Then when we were evacuating, I stepped on a landmine that none of us saw. It was as simple as that," Price recounted. He expressed gratitude for being alive and for the possibility of being fitted with prosthetic legs.
Price emphasized his determination to remain involved in the fight, even with his injuries. He noted that the Ukrainian army continues to cover his wages and hospital care, but advanced medical treatment incurs significant costs, for which he is seeking funds. He expressed concern that his GoFundMe page has not reached its target. "I’m still a soldier – there’s still work to be done," he stated. He described witnessing the devastating impact of the war on civilian populations in towns and villages.
His family in Dublin, particularly his mother, were initially against his decision to go to Ukraine, though his grandmother was supportive. His family remains worried about his well-being, especially after his severe injuries. Price hopes to have his prosthetics fitted before they visit, not wanting them to see him in his current condition.
Price's story is one of several involving Irish citizens who have volunteered to fight in Ukraine. At least five Irish volunteers are reported to have died since the conflict began in February 2022. 
