For foreign fighters, Ukraine offers purpose, camaraderie and a cause

Two foreign fighters from the UK asked to be identified as "Scouser" and "Jacks" pose for a picture as they are ready to depart towards the front line in the east of Ukraine following the Russian invasion, at the main train station in Lviv, Ukraine, March 5, 2022. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

(Updates lede with more information about Michael Ferkol's former role in U.S. Army.)

LVIV, Ukraine (Reuters) - Michael Ferkol, who who once served as a supply specialist with engineer battalions in the U.S. Army, had been in Rome studying archaeology when he heard the Ukrainian president's appeal for foreign fighters.