Chapter 31: Armed Forces and Mission in Ukraine

Still in February, Gustavo Andrade was moving quickly. He knew that national security and the protection of Brazilian citizens, both at home and abroad, were crucial priorities for his government. After meeting with the commanders of the Armed Forces at the beginning of the month, Gustavo began an ambitious plan to invest more in the Armed Forces budget, in addition to offering training and opportunities that would guarantee a morally uplifted and technically prepared troop for any challenge.

In the presidential office, Gustavo met with his Defense Minister again and summoned the commander of the Army and Navy to discuss an audacious plan: the creation of a joint troop between the Army's special forces and the Marine Corps' Amphibious Command for a delicate mission in Ukraine.

— Gentlemen, the situation we discussed earlier regarding Brazilians in Ukraine still concerns me deeply. We know that there are still some citizens in conflict areas, and we cannot expect international diplomacy to resolve this issue alone. We need coordinated action by our Special Forces to rescue any Brazilians who are still there, Gustavo began, with a decisive and direct tone.

The General frowned, but he knew that Gustavo was right. The conflict in Ukraine was becoming more complex, and the removal of foreign civilians was a delicate mission.

— President, our special forces are always ready. The Special Operations Command operators have experience in rescue and high-risk operations. However, it would be essential to coordinate with other forces, including the Marines, to ensure a complete and safe operation, the General replied.

The Admiral, who commands naval operations, also spoke.

— The Marines Amphibious Commandos are ready for an operation of this type. They have the necessary expertise in infiltration and extraction in conflict areas. If we join forces with the Army, we can have a robust and specialized team for this mission.

Gustavo nodded.

— That's exactly what I want to see. I want the Army's special forces and the Navy's Amphibious Commandos to work together to form a joint force, a specialized task force, focused on rescue operations. Brazil must protect its citizens, wherever they are. I want this team to be sent to Ukraine as soon as we have the necessary information and a safe infiltration route.

The Defense Minister added to the idea:

— We need to coordinate logistics with our diplomacy and ensure that Brazilian intelligence, together with international allies, provides us with accurate information about the location of the Brazilians and the safest routes for the operation.

During the same meeting, Gustavo reaffirmed the importance of investing in the Armed Forces to ensure that the troops' morale remained high. He knew that well-trained and motivated troops would not only execute missions with precision, but would also keep Brazil safe from any future threat.

— In addition to this specific mission, I am directing more funds to the Armed Forces budget. I want all military personnel, from the rank and file to the highest officers, to have access to excellent training, modern equipment and opportunities for growth within their military careers. Brazil needs to have the best Armed Forces in Latin America, both in terms of operational capacity and troop motivation. We will ensure that the military feels proud to serve the country, said Gustao.

The General, a man of reserved temperament, gave a rare smile of approval.

— President, this investment will make a huge difference. Well-trained troops with high morale always perform better in complex missions. Furthermore, having more opportunities for specialization within the Armed Forces will attract and retain the best talent in Brazil.

The Admiral also agreed.

— This focus on training and opportunities will greatly strengthen our capabilities. With new equipment and high morale, we can carry out any mission more efficiently. The troops will realize that the government is truly investing in them.

With the plan to strengthen the Armed Forces underway, Gustavo and his team's attention returned to the urgent issue of Brazilians in Ukraine. Preparations for the rescue mission began immediately. Intelligence teams worked tirelessly to gather data on the location of Brazilian citizens and the security conditions in the country.

Meanwhile, the Army's special forces and the Marine Corps' Amphibious Commandos began training together. The idea of ​​a joint force combining Brazil's elite land and naval forces was innovative and strategic. The operators trained in rescue, infiltration, and extraction scenarios in conflict areas, simulating situations similar to those they would face in Ukraine.

Captain Marco Brandão, commander of the Army's special forces, took the lead in the joint operations.

"We are training with maximum intensity, Mr. President. This mission will require precision, stealth, and total coordination between the teams. We have a clear objective: to bring our compatriots back safely. The troops are ready for any challenge that may come their way, the Captain reported to Gustavo during a visit to the training camp.

Gustavo observed the men and women in action. It was clear that morale was high and that the troops were more motivated than ever. He felt that Brazil was in good hands. By the end of February, the mission was practically ready.

Gustavo was only waiting for the final intelligence reports and approval of diplomatic routes to give the green light. The commanders were confident that the operation would be a success, and the troops were eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of their duty.

"We are ready, President. At any time you authorize, the troops will depart for the mission in Ukraine," the General stated.

Gustavo stood up from his chair and looked at the commanders present.

"We are making history, gentlemen. Brazil is showing that it can protect its people, no matter where they are. This mission is not just a rescue. It is a symbol of what this country is becoming: a strong nation, with solid principles and committed to its citizens. We will do our duty, and we will bring everyone back safely.

The commanders nodded, and the meeting ended with the certainty that Brazil was prepared to face any challenge, within and outside its borders.