Paul Hughes crossed the border into Ukraine to help fight the Russians early last month, expecting to be armed and move to the front lines. But he could not obtain a weapon or ammunition.

The 57-year-old Calgary resident who served in the Canadian Princess Patricia Light Infantry from 1983 to 1987 during the Cold War said he was disappointed.

"I don't think they were ready for this call to action" Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called in February for people around the world to help his country fight the Russians by joining the "International Brigade," Kyiv said about 20,000 foreigners responded. But some Canadians wanting to bear arms for Ukraine said they faced unexpected obstacles, with some like Hughes finding a lack of organization even as others were turned away before they could leave home.

A group of Ukrainian lawmakers who visited Ottawa last week endorsed the need for more foreign volunteers. Ukrainian MP Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze said "freedom fighters" are not only welcome but are "a source of inspiration and encouragement."

She also described the call saying Ukraine wants "everyone who knows how to fight or knows how to provide medical assistance" like paramedics.

Brison Woolsey, a 33-year-old cook from Powell River, British Columbia, said he was turned away due to lack of combat experience. He was especially disappointed because he had publicly spoken about his desire to help.