A British veteran sniper said he told his wife he was going birdwatching before travelling to the Ukraine to help fight Vladimir Putin’s forces.
The father-of-two, from Wirral, north west England, said his wife would ‘freak out’ when she realised that he had flew into Poland to join the fight in the Ukraine.
The veteran, who asked to remain anonymous, said he wanted to help the ‘overwhelmed’ Ukrainian army from the Russian president, who he described as a ‘modern-day Adolf Hitler’.
Speaking in Medyka, Poland, he told The Sun: ‘She’s [wife] going to freak out when I tell her where I am, I’ll ring her when I’m in Ukraine and explain.’
A British veteran sniper said he told his wife he was going birdwatching before travelling to the Ukraine to help fight Putin’s forces. Pictured: Ukrainian military near Sytnyaky on Thursday
He said he felt like he couldn’t sit back and watch when he has military experience, saying his children are grown up and he has done what he needed to do as a husband and father.
‘If I don’t come back, then so be it,’ he added.
Grandfather Ian Parkinson, 60, from Wirral, was also at the border and said he understands that most people wouldn’t travel to the Ukraine to fight.
Mr Parkinson, who is a former soldier turned photographer, added that everyone can do something to help the Ukrainian war as he criticised politicians for not doing enough.
He said: ‘I’d rather not die, I haven’t come here to die and I want to go back and see my family and my grandchildren.’
It comes after men were seen gathering outside the Ukrainian embassy in west London to answer Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky call to arms for foreign fighters to join his country’s defence against Russia.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss appeared to encourage Britons saying she would ‘absolutely support’ those who wished to sign up to fight as part of the Ukrainian armed forces.
But lawyers later warned that Britons who fight in Ukraine could be prosecuted under UK terror laws – much like those who took arms for Kurdish militia forces against ISIS in Syria.
UK ‘Lads Army’ volunteers eager to take on Vladimir Putin’s Russian forces could be prosecuted under UK law if they go to fight in Ukraine, Boris Johnson (pictured) has hinted
And Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned members of the so-called ‘Lads Army’ that they could be breaking British law by going over to Ukraine to fight.
Giving a speech in Estonia, Mr Johnson said: ‘I can understand why people feel as they do but we have laws in our country about international conflicts and how they should be conducted.’
Asked if, in the wake of Ms Truss’s comments, that the Government was encouraging Britons to fight, he replied: ‘The UK is not actively doing any such thing.’
Meanwhile, ex-infantryman Shaun Pinner, who is fighting as a ‘contract soldier’ alongside the Ukrainian armed forces, said he has endured a ‘week of intense fighting’.
The 48-year-old, who previously served in the Royal Anglian Regiment, also confirms a number of his squad have died saying: ‘We’ve lost a couple of guys today’.
Mr Pinner filmed the dispatch two days ago as Vladimir Putin’s men laid siege to Kyiv and other major Ukranian cities. In the video he does not reveal his location for security reasons.
‘I can’t tell you where we are, because of op sec (operations security),’ he says.
‘But this is a school that the Russians have just bombed. It’s about 7km off the frontline. We’re just taking a bit of respite, we’ve just had a week of intense fighting.
Meanwhile, ex-infantryman Shaun Pinner, who is fighting as a ‘contract soldier’ alongside the Ukrainian armed forces, said he has endured a ‘week of intense fighting’
Leon Dawson, 37, is seen telling journalists he is prepared to lose his life fighting to defend Ukraine as a volunteer in the country’s newly announced foreign legion
‘We’ve lost a couple of guys today. It’s chaos to be honest. This was a thriving little town. Until obviously the Red Army decided to show up.
‘So we are till ongoing, we’re putting up a resistance. Thanks for all the support you’ve given us.’
This week, a London banker arrived at the Ukrainian embassy in London to volunteer to fight against Russia.
The ‘Lads Army’ volunteering to fight in Ukraine
Leon Dawson
A 37-year-old gym boss from Surrey, Leon Dawson has no prior military experience.
But speaking outside the Ukrainian embassy in London yesterday, where he volunteered for the country’s newly established foreign legion, he said: ‘We’re young, strong, fit men and we can help, so why not?’
Leon runs The Physique Warehouse Gym in Moseley, on the outskirts of west London.
Tom Konarzewski
Originally from Poland, and friends with Leon Dawson, Tom Konarzewski runs a dog care business in Surrey.
His business is called Walk-Me. Founded in 2007, it is a dog-walking business aimed at high-flying professionals. It also offers daycare and overnight services.
On signing up to join Ukrain’s Foreign Legion, he said: ‘
‘What we’ve seen on the TV, in my opinion, is wrong,’ he said.
‘We’d like to get over there as soon as possible.’
Brian Grove
Brian Grove is a 60-year-old former Territorial Army (TA) member from Kent.
He told Sky News reporters he had ‘decided to do something’ to help under siege Ukrainians.
‘I used to be in the TA, I’ve also got a lot of first aid training so I’ve decided to come and do something,’ he said.
Asked if he’s prepared to fight, Mr Grove, from Sittingbourne in Kent, replies: ‘Yes, I can get on a flight tomorrow.’
Roger Conway
The 34-year-old from Newcastle went to the Ukrainian Embassy, where he collected an email address to volunteer his services, that he immediately wrote.
Speaking to the PA news agency near the embassy in West London, he said: ‘We’ve convinced ourselves that we’re stepping in and we’re helping by having Facebook photos and tweeting solidarity but it doesn’t really make a difference to anyone.
‘Solidarity doesn’t look real if you don’t do anything’.
Mr Conway, who works as a contractor in finance, said he had never been in the army.
‘I’ve never been in but I’ve not got kids, I’m 34, feel fit’.
Asked if he was scared, he said: ‘Possibly a little but that’s no reason not to do anything in life. I’m ready, I think’.
Sam Ottaway
Sam Ottaway, 38, works at a bank in the City and has no combat experience, but came down to volunteer in his lunch break.
Sam said: ‘It’s the right thing to do, can’t see that happen. History has taught us that this stuff doesn’t just stop does it?
‘George Orwell is one of my heroes. Homage to Catalonia.
‘People have done this before in history, volunteering for good causes. And if this isn’t a good cause, I don’t know what is.’
Jason Luck
Jason Luck has family in Mykolaiv, a city near the Black Sea in southern Ukraine.
He served for 12 years in the British Army and feels he has something to offer in the fight. He is due to fly out on Wednesday.
Jason said: ‘My family are in Ukraine. Fighting isn’t my priority. My family is my priority. I live in Surrey but go back and forwards. First it was the pandemic, now this idiot [Putin].’
Shaun Pinner
A 48-year-old ex-soldier with a Ukrainian wife. He is already on the front lines.
He is married to a Ukrainian woman and has been in Donbas for the past four years.
Mr Pinner previously served in the Royal Anglian Regiment and said he fought with the Ukrainian army as a ‘contract soldier’.
Liam Hawkins
A 30-year-old father with no military experience. He drove to the Ukrainian embassy from Deptford, south-east London, to sign up to help refugees stuck at the border in a humanitarian capacity.
‘I haven’t slept since this invasion and I just can’t stay at home with my babies and my missus and do nothing.
‘I know it’s dangerous, people are trying to talk me out of it, but I believe I can make a difference.’
Matthew Green
A 47-year-old from London, who retired as a Staff Sergeant six months ago.
He said: ‘I want to fight for diplomacy.
‘I think the British military are stuck and I’m sure we would send our men if we could. It’s the perfect timing for me as I was discharged six months ago.
‘I have no connection with Ukraine or Russia, but I want to do my part.’
Alex Pickett
A 32-year-old from Andover, Hants, who works in private security.
He said: ‘I will do whatever I can in whatever way I can.
‘I’m just slowly getting my affairs in order so that I can go when they tell me. I’m non-military, but I’m an Englishman.
‘I’m a free man who is fighting for a free world and is willing to do his part.
‘All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.’
Antony Zamparelli
A father-of-seven who served in the Army but has never been in a conflict.
Mr Zamparelli told GB News he was willing to die for the Ukrainian cause and urged other Brits to ‘go to Ukraine if you’re willing to fight for freedom’.
Akos Horvadh
A 28-year-old Hungarian man living in the UK.
He says he is nervous about telling his parents but is adamant about going to fight.
Akos said: ‘I’m Hungarian. Ukraine is my neighbour. I can’t stand to see what goes on there.
‘As I see it, what they really need is people to go there and fight. I have a little experience. I know how to use a gun.
‘If I go there there is a chance I could die. But that’s the truth of war. I could die, lose my limbs, I’m aware. But someone needs to go.’
Douglas Lambourne
Douglas Lambourne is a 25-year-old from west London.
He said: ‘My mum’s Polish and I’ve got family out in Ukraine. I’m 25 and sitting at home, and my time is better spent going over there doing what’s right.’
Sam Ottaway, 38, works at a bank in the City and has no combat experience, but volunteered in his lunch break.
Mr Ottaway, who described British writer George Orwell as one of his heroes and an inspiration for his decision to join the fight, said: ‘It’s the right thing to do, can’t see that happen. History has taught us that this stuff doesn’t just stop does it?’
Gym owner Leon Dawson, 37, earlier this week told reporters he was prepared to lose his life fighting to defend Ukraine as a volunteer in the country’s newly formed Foreign Legion.
Standing outside the Ukrainian embassy with other would-be-fighters, including his friend Tom Konarzewski, who is originally from Poland and who runs a dog care business, he told reporters from Sky News: ‘We’re young, strong, fit men and we can help, so why not?’
‘We don’t want to die. We’re obviously scared. But if we’re scared, we can imagine how the innocent women and children feel. I can’t sit here and just let that happen.’
Asked if his family were aware, Mr Dawson, who has no military experience, said: ‘My family are upset. Obviously it is a hard time.’
Among those attending the Ukrainian embassy earlier this week was Brian Grove, a 60-year-old former Territorial Army (TA) member from Kent. He told Sky News reporters he had ‘decided to do something’ to help under siege Ukrainians.
‘I used to be in the TA, I’ve also got a lot of first aid training so I’ve decided to come and do something,’ he said.
Asked if he’s prepared to fight, Mr Grove replies: ‘Yes, I can get on a flight tomorrow.’
Others to arrive at the embassy to volunteer included Akos Horvadh. The 28-year-old says he is nervous about telling his parents but is adamant about going to fight.
Akos said: ‘I’m Hungarian. Ukraine is my neighbour. I can’t stand to see what goes on there.
‘As I see it, what they really need is people to go there and fight. I have a little experience. I know how to use a gun.
‘If I go there there is a chance I could die. But that’s the truth of war. I could die, lose my limbs, I’m aware. But someone needs to go.’
Though many who have arrived at the embassy have no previous combat experience, one man to volunteer, Jason Luck, does.
Jason Luck, who has family in Mykolaiv, a city near the Black Sea in southern Ukraine, served for 12 years in the British Army. He was due to fly out on Wednesday.
He said: ‘My family are in Ukraine. They’re in the east of the country. I’ve got my partner, her boy, my daughter.
‘Fighting isn’t my priority. My family is my priority. I live in Surrey but go back and forwards. First it was the pandemic, now this idiot [Putin].’
Jason, who is in his late 40s, refused the offer from Ukrainian authorities to pay for his flights.
‘I’m going out Wednesday. I need to. I’m really worried. I’ve got a twisted feeling in my stomach,’ he said.
‘I want to go out there to protect my city. I don’t want to end up in Kyiv. I want to be near my family. That’s why I’m here.
‘I don’t want to join Ukrainian regular forces. This is why I’m here to explain to them. I’m happy to fight but I want to be there for my family.’
Matthew Green, 47, from London, who retired as a Staff Sergeant six months ago, said: ‘I want to fight for diplomacy.
‘I think the British military are stuck and I’m sure we would send our men if we could. It’s the perfect timing for me as I was discharged six months ago.
‘I have no connection with Ukraine or Russia, but I want to do my part.
Alex Pickett, 32, from Andover, Hants, who works in private security, said: ‘I will do whatever I can in whatever way I can.
‘I’m just slowly getting my affairs in order so that I can go when they tell me. I’m non-military, but I’m an Englishman.
‘I’m a free man who is fighting for a free world and is willing to do his part.
‘All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.
‘I’m just a normal Englishman, I’ve got a basic firearm skill and I’m reasonably fit.
‘My heart is in the right place and that is the only reason why I’m doing this.’
If the ‘Lads’ Army’ are given the green light to fight in Ukraine, they will be joined by more than 150 British ex-paratroopers who fought in Afghanistan are now on their way to Ukraine to battle Putin’s forces.
Dozens of former Special Forces soldiers from Britain are also said to be heading out there to fight for Ukraine, including a crack team of retired SAS fighters who are on their way to join the war on the side of the Ukrainians.
Ukrainian expats living in Britain are also heading back to their home country to fight against Putin’s invaders.
Meanwhile, military supply stores in the UK are said to be kitting out volunteers – with some even offering 50 per cent discounts for those heading out to Ukraine.
Yesterday, as the fighting raged on in cities such as Kyiv and Kharkiv, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and a No 10 spokesman both appeared to contradict Liz Truss, who gave her backing to Britons who wanted to join the resistance movement.
In a surprising comment, the Foreign Secretary said she ‘won’t oppose’ British nationals who travel to Ukraine to fight the Russian invasion.
But Mr Wallace urged Britons not to join the fighting, particularly those without military experience, saying that the ‘very dangerous’ situation could lead to them being killed.
The comments came as a former defence minister today said the Government should issue clear advice that Britons should not go to Ukraine to fight.
The British Army meanwhile are warning UK soldiers ‘on or off leave’ not to take up arms against Russia over fears that the sight of British insignias could spark a major escalation in the conflict.
Hundreds of troops have expressed interest in answering a request from Kyiv for international volunteers, it is believed, but commanders have told them not to sign up.
They cannot stop retired personnel from travelling to eastern Europe, but full-time and reserve troops have received a stern warning not to take part in the conflict.
One brigadier said he heard talk that some soldiers were considering going Awol to join the fight, The Times reports.
But a post on the Army’s internal messaging service read: ‘There has been some recent media coverage relating to foreigners being welcomed into Ukraine to help fight against Russia.
‘To be clear, as members of the British Army, you are not authorised to travel to Ukraine to support the ongoing conflict against Russia in any form, whether you are on leave or not.
‘Please remain professional and focused on your duty and your team.’
Despite the warning, a military source has said that 150 of former paratroopers were on their way to Poland.
Shane, 34, a former sniper with the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, said Ms Truss’ comments on Sunday were ‘the green light’
Ukraine’s president Volodomyr Zelensky said he was forming his country’s own foreign legion to fight Russia.
Several thousand people have volunteered to join the force, deputy defence minister Hanna Malyar said.
Among them are reportedly a group of SAS veterans eager to defend Ukraine.
According to The Mirror, the retired UK special forces soldiers have volunteered for missions deep inside Ukraine to back up the country’s defence.
The veterans, aged between 40 and 60, have had meetings to discuss signing up for the dangerous mission, backing up Ukrainians in combat.
Key to their operation is among them there are highly-trained snipers and experts in the use of anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles.
It comes as lawyers warned that Britons leaving to fight in Ukraine could face legal action on their return under UK terror laws.
However they said prosecutions would likely be a ‘non-starter’ – pointing to those who avoided legal action for fighting against for Kurdish militias against ISIS.
Under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000, terrorism is described as the use or threat of violence, to influence a government or the public, ‘for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause’.
Jonathan Hall QC, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, said fighting in Ukraine would be captured by the definition.
Standing outside the Ukrainian embassy in west London with other would-be-fighters, including his friend Tom Konarzewski (pictured left), he tells reporters from Sky News: ‘We’re young, strong, fit men and we can help, so why not?
Brian Grove, a 60-year-old former Territorial Army (TA) member from Kent, told reporters he had ‘decided to do something’ to help under siege Ukrainians
Ukraine war, day 5: Russian forces are now attempting to skirt around Kyiv and encircle it from the west. Troops fighting out of Crimea continue to make gains and are likely to surround Mariupol soon, while also reaching the outskirts of a key Ukrainian nuclear plant. Fighting in the east continues to be heavy with no breakthrough for Putin
He told The Independent: ‘Russia’s aggression against the international legal order, and the importance of supporting Ukraine, makes any support for foreign fighters who want to travel to Ukraine at first glance attractive.
‘Given the government’s apparent support, prosecution of foreign fighters against Russia under terrorism legislation appears to be a non-starter even if the broad statutory definition of terrorism is satisfied in these cases.
‘But there is always the possibility of less desirable cases at the edges – individuals who travel to Ukraine under false pretence either to support Russia or fight with an ideological group such as the [neo-Nazi] Azov battalion.’
British authorities have previously tried to prosecute British fighters who took up arms against ISIS in Syria.
Ex-paratrooper Daniel Burke originally fought against ISIS with the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) between late 2017 and June 2018.
No action was taken at the time. But he was later prosecuted for ‘preparing acts of terrorism’ after allegedly attempting to return to support the YPG against an invasion by Turkish-led forces in 2019.
However the charges were later dropped against Burke and two other men following a review by the Crown Prosecution Service.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10578635/British-veteran-sniper-tells-wife-going-birdwatching-flying-Ukraine.html
