In the face of economic struggles, many young Brazilians have been lured to the Ukraine war by promises of lucrative salaries and adventure, leading them to leave their careers and families behind. This allure, however, is often misleading, as the reality of war starkly contrasts with the enticing images presented through recruitment videos and testimonials from those who went before them.

The story highlights the experiences of four former fighters from Bahia who once voluntarily took up arms against the Russian army, now grappling with the consequences of their decisions. João Victor de Jesus Teixeira, who adopted the alias 'Arcanjo', publicly regrets his involvement, stating that he not only deeply regrets his own decision but also the influence he had over others in encouraging them to join the conflict. His reflections underscore the harsh realities faced on the battlefield, where the perceived glamour of war is overshadowed by loss and trauma.

Another individual, a music producer named Marcos, was attracted by the promise of easy money, which he quickly discovered to be unfounded. He had dreams of earning a salary of 50,000 but found himself facing a different truth altogether. Their testimonies serve as cautionary tales about the stark differences between the expectations set before them and the painful realities of engaging in warfare, revealing how vulnerable young people can be to such dangerous allure.