Ukraine’s Muslim Crimea battalion yearns for lost homeland

Isa Akayev, commander of the Crimea battalion, a Ukrainian army unit made up mostly of Crimean Tatar Muslims, prepares to leave for training, as Russia's attacks on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 28, 2022. Picture taken May 28, 2022. REUTERS/Edgar Su

YASNOHORODKA, Ukraine (Reuters) - Standing amid the charred remains of a roadside hotel on a major highway near Kyiv, Isa Akayev explained what drove him to build his Muslim volunteer unit and fight for Ukraine.

"I just want to return home, to Crimea," said Akayev, 57, a gently-spoken father of 13 who sports a long greying beard and shaven head.