MERCENARIES FOR UKRAINE
Team of SAS veterans to join Ukraine's battle against Russian invasionIt is believed that the operation is not being paid for by the UK Government but will instead be funded by a country in Europe, yet to be named, via a private military company.
By Chris Hughes
Defence and Security Editor
Trainee Network Writer
1 MAR 2022
A team of SAS veterans is set to join Ukraine's battle against the Russian invasion.
Retired UK special forces soldiers have volunteered for a variety of missions deep inside Ukraine to help back up the country's defence.
It is believed that former Paratroopers may at some point join the special forces team in Ukraine, alongside other UK military specialists, The Mirror reports.
The veterans, aged between 40 and 60, have had meetings to discuss signing up for the dangerous mission, backing up Ukrainian forces in combat.
Among them, and key to their operation, are highly-trained snipers and experts in the use of anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles.
1 MAR 2022
A team of SAS veterans is set to join Ukraine's battle against the Russian invasion.
Retired UK special forces soldiers have volunteered for a variety of missions deep inside Ukraine to help back up the country's defence.
It is believed that former Paratroopers may at some point join the special forces team in Ukraine, alongside other UK military specialists, The Mirror reports.
The veterans, aged between 40 and 60, have had meetings to discuss signing up for the dangerous mission, backing up Ukrainian forces in combat.
Among them, and key to their operation, are highly-trained snipers and experts in the use of anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles.
Ukrainian servicemen patrol during a curfew in Kyiv
(Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Snipers will also help in taking out Russian forward air spotters and Moscow’s special forces who are guiding in airstrikes on troops and local communities.
It is believed the operation is not being paid for by the British government but will be funded by a country in Europe, still to be named, via a private military company.
The plan is a way of backing Ukraine militarily but without officially sending serving troops into battle against Vladimir Putin’s forces.
More than a dozen of the veterans have already arrived in Ukraine and another dozen will travel there this week.
Snipers will also help in taking out Russian forward air spotters and Moscow’s special forces who are guiding in airstrikes on troops and local communities.
It is believed the operation is not being paid for by the British government but will be funded by a country in Europe, still to be named, via a private military company.
The plan is a way of backing Ukraine militarily but without officially sending serving troops into battle against Vladimir Putin’s forces.
More than a dozen of the veterans have already arrived in Ukraine and another dozen will travel there this week.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the National Space Centre construction site in Moscow (Image: SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)
Among them are warrant officers, sergeants and corporals who have fought all over the world but no Army officers have signed up yet.
It follows Ukraine’s President Zelensky announcing an international call to arms for people to go to Ukraine and help defend his homeland.
So far, according to official Ukrainian figures, his troops have killed 5,300 Russian troops in ferocious battles for cities throughout the country.
The ex-SAS team have fought all over Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere globally.
Among them are warrant officers, sergeants and corporals who have fought all over the world but no Army officers have signed up yet.
It follows Ukraine’s President Zelensky announcing an international call to arms for people to go to Ukraine and help defend his homeland.
So far, according to official Ukrainian figures, his troops have killed 5,300 Russian troops in ferocious battles for cities throughout the country.
The ex-SAS team have fought all over Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere globally.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky makes a speech in Kyiv (Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
One ex-SAS man told the Daily Mirror: “This has had to happen very quickly as the situation in Ukraine is now desperate and they need urgent help.
“A lot of ex-parachute regiment colleagues are also very keen to go. Many people are very keen to go and it has had to be organised very quickly.
“It is legal as none of the men going out are still serving and Ukraine has invited people to go in and help the fight militarily.
“It means some of the most experienced veterans in the world will assist Ukraine and link up with Ukraine’s force headquarters.
“And we do know that Putin has a great deal of respect of the SAS.”
One ex-SAS man told the Daily Mirror: “This has had to happen very quickly as the situation in Ukraine is now desperate and they need urgent help.
“A lot of ex-parachute regiment colleagues are also very keen to go. Many people are very keen to go and it has had to be organised very quickly.
“It is legal as none of the men going out are still serving and Ukraine has invited people to go in and help the fight militarily.
“It means some of the most experienced veterans in the world will assist Ukraine and link up with Ukraine’s force headquarters.
“And we do know that Putin has a great deal of respect of the SAS.”
A Russian tank burning in Ukrainian city of Sumy (Image: SWNS)
Sources confirmed all of the SAS veterans heading for Ukraine are experts in the use of Javelin and Stinger missiles.
President Zelensky appealed to people to help his country take up arms on social media.
He said: "The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is addressing all citizens of the world, friends of Ukraine, peace and democracy.
“Anyone who wants to join the defence of Ukraine, Europe and the world can come.”
Today it emerged The French Foreign Legion has given the go-ahead for its Ukrainian members to return to their homeland to help defend it - along with their full battle kit.
A squadron of serving SAS troops is in Poland already, helping to train Ukrainian troops in how to launch sabotage missions in an insurgency against Russia.
Their aim is to teach Ukrainians how to form secret resistance units to undermine an occupying force and even assassinate collaborators and Moscow sympathisers.
The British Ministry of Defence has already said no British troops will be in Ukraine to fight as this would mean Russia confronting a NATO member state directly.
Sources confirmed all of the SAS veterans heading for Ukraine are experts in the use of Javelin and Stinger missiles.
President Zelensky appealed to people to help his country take up arms on social media.
He said: "The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is addressing all citizens of the world, friends of Ukraine, peace and democracy.
“Anyone who wants to join the defence of Ukraine, Europe and the world can come.”
Today it emerged The French Foreign Legion has given the go-ahead for its Ukrainian members to return to their homeland to help defend it - along with their full battle kit.
A squadron of serving SAS troops is in Poland already, helping to train Ukrainian troops in how to launch sabotage missions in an insurgency against Russia.
Their aim is to teach Ukrainians how to form secret resistance units to undermine an occupying force and even assassinate collaborators and Moscow sympathisers.
The British Ministry of Defence has already said no British troops will be in Ukraine to fight as this would mean Russia confronting a NATO member state directly.
Ukrainian tanks move on a road before an attack in Lugansk region on Saturday (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
It is believed serving SAS teams are in the Baltic States, with one team on standby to support a joint US -UK operation to evacuate President Zelensky by helicopter.
SAS soldiers have been pre-positioned across the Baltic States to support Nato partners and poised to react to any incident inside Ukraine that UK politicians decide needs urgent military intervention.
Operating with an American Joint Special Operations Group the British troops are ready to airlift President Zelensky if he asks for help and react to any other ‘humanitarian emergency’ - that may be approved by Downing Street.
It comes as the UK delivers hi-tech air defence weapons to the Ukrainian military in a move to help them down Russian helicopter gunships attacking Zelensky frontline forces.
It is believed serving SAS teams are in the Baltic States, with one team on standby to support a joint US -UK operation to evacuate President Zelensky by helicopter.
SAS soldiers have been pre-positioned across the Baltic States to support Nato partners and poised to react to any incident inside Ukraine that UK politicians decide needs urgent military intervention.
Operating with an American Joint Special Operations Group the British troops are ready to airlift President Zelensky if he asks for help and react to any other ‘humanitarian emergency’ - that may be approved by Downing Street.
It comes as the UK delivers hi-tech air defence weapons to the Ukrainian military in a move to help them down Russian helicopter gunships attacking Zelensky frontline forces.
A big fire at a petroleum storage depot after a Russian missile attack in Vasylkiv
(Image: ALISA YAKUBOVYCH/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
NATO countries are coordinating a massive resupply of weapons, ammunition and medical supplies to Ukraine which are being shipped in from outside Ukraine by local troops.
One missile, called Starstreak is a shoulder-launched air defence weapon - designed to target helicopters and fighter aircraft.
The lethal weapon which is feared by helicopter pilots can strike at ranges up to three and a half miles, locking onto aircraft and firing tungsten darts that rip through the fuselage.
The delivery of thousands more missiles comes as Ukrainians say UK-supplied NLAW anti-tank weapons have been smashing Russian tanks.
So far a staggering 191 Russian tanks have been wiped out, according to Ukrainian official figures, many of them by NLAWs.
Ukrainian Territorial Defence fighters wait for an order in the city of Kharkiv (Image: SERGEY KOZLOV/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Russia has lost 29 warplanes since the invasion started, 816 anti-personnel vehicles, 291 trucks and 60 fuel tankers, losses which have badly damaged the Russian onslaught.
The package of weapons includes thousands of grenades, claymore anti-personnel devices, heavy machine guns, 66 mm light anti-tank weapons, high-velocity sniper rifles.
Britain along-with other Nato forces is also providing ‘remote military advice’ to help Ukrainian commanders direct their tactics to counter Putin’s overwhelming forces with intelligence guidance.
A senior source said the Russians have a huge force of helicopters in Belarus, as well as the East which are being used to target the Ukrainians before the ground force arrives.
He said : “If Zelensky presses the ‘get me’ button the SAS and US team will fly in and evacuate him.
“The hope is that the Russians would agree to an air corridor for the airlift, but who knows.
“In the meantime Putin’s people have overwhelming control of the skies and the Ukrainians need air defence weapons and more anti-tank weapons”.
The civilian force has been formed before, secretly training local forces in counter-terror tactics.
In Jordan five years ago British ex-Paras trained up Syrian Defence Force troops to battle Islamic State in a secretive mission to pit better skilled troops against the terror group.
The project went on in secret camps just over the border and was funded via a private military company to avoid the government paying for it directly.
Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Ukraine’s call to arms from foreigners was backed up by Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba.
He said: "Together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin too.
British foreign secretary Liz Truss backed Brits who wanted to go to Ukraine to go. 'I do support that,' she said.
"The people of Ukraine are fighting for freedom and democracy not just for Ukraine - for all of Europe. If people want to support that struggle I support that.”
NATO countries are coordinating a massive resupply of weapons, ammunition and medical supplies to Ukraine which are being shipped in from outside Ukraine by local troops.
One missile, called Starstreak is a shoulder-launched air defence weapon - designed to target helicopters and fighter aircraft.
The lethal weapon which is feared by helicopter pilots can strike at ranges up to three and a half miles, locking onto aircraft and firing tungsten darts that rip through the fuselage.
The delivery of thousands more missiles comes as Ukrainians say UK-supplied NLAW anti-tank weapons have been smashing Russian tanks.
So far a staggering 191 Russian tanks have been wiped out, according to Ukrainian official figures, many of them by NLAWs.
Ukrainian Territorial Defence fighters wait for an order in the city of Kharkiv (Image: SERGEY KOZLOV/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Russia has lost 29 warplanes since the invasion started, 816 anti-personnel vehicles, 291 trucks and 60 fuel tankers, losses which have badly damaged the Russian onslaught.
The package of weapons includes thousands of grenades, claymore anti-personnel devices, heavy machine guns, 66 mm light anti-tank weapons, high-velocity sniper rifles.
Britain along-with other Nato forces is also providing ‘remote military advice’ to help Ukrainian commanders direct their tactics to counter Putin’s overwhelming forces with intelligence guidance.
A senior source said the Russians have a huge force of helicopters in Belarus, as well as the East which are being used to target the Ukrainians before the ground force arrives.
He said : “If Zelensky presses the ‘get me’ button the SAS and US team will fly in and evacuate him.
“The hope is that the Russians would agree to an air corridor for the airlift, but who knows.
“In the meantime Putin’s people have overwhelming control of the skies and the Ukrainians need air defence weapons and more anti-tank weapons”.
The civilian force has been formed before, secretly training local forces in counter-terror tactics.
In Jordan five years ago British ex-Paras trained up Syrian Defence Force troops to battle Islamic State in a secretive mission to pit better skilled troops against the terror group.
The project went on in secret camps just over the border and was funded via a private military company to avoid the government paying for it directly.
Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (Image: AFP via Getty Images)Ukraine’s call to arms from foreigners was backed up by Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba.
He said: "Together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin too.
British foreign secretary Liz Truss backed Brits who wanted to go to Ukraine to go. 'I do support that,' she said.
"The people of Ukraine are fighting for freedom and democracy not just for Ukraine - for all of Europe. If people want to support that struggle I support that.”
Czechs to join Ukrainian foreign legion, President Zeman is supportive
Other countries like the U.K. and Denmark are giving the nod for volunteers to join the fight in Ukraine, the question is now how Russia will respond
March 01, 2022
editor: REMIX NEWS
author: TEREZA ŠÍDLOVÁ
via: SEZNAMZPRAVY.CZ
Ukrainian soldiers inspect a damaged military vehicle
after fighting in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022.
(AP Photo/Marienko Andrew)
In what could mark a serious escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a number of Western countries are authorizing sending foreign volunteers to fight in the war, with Czechia now likely to give consent as well.
According to the Czech Ministry of Defense, the first citizens who want to go with weapons in hand to defend Ukraine are now volunteering. Czech law allows it, but every volunteer needs the president’s consent. The current president, Miloš Zeman, will not prevent Czechs from going to Ukraine to fight if the government authorities approve it, he has stated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the establishment of an international legion over the weekend. Zelensky is also calling for NATO to implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine and for Ukraine to be granted EU membership.
In what could mark a serious escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a number of Western countries are authorizing sending foreign volunteers to fight in the war, with Czechia now likely to give consent as well.
According to the Czech Ministry of Defense, the first citizens who want to go with weapons in hand to defend Ukraine are now volunteering. Czech law allows it, but every volunteer needs the president’s consent. The current president, Miloš Zeman, will not prevent Czechs from going to Ukraine to fight if the government authorities approve it, he has stated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the establishment of an international legion over the weekend. Zelensky is also calling for NATO to implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine and for Ukraine to be granted EU membership.
“The applicants are turning to the Ministry of Defense, which will assess the application together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior, and only then will it go to the military officials and President Zeman. Therefore, it will undoubtedly depend on the recommendations of the government ministries that the president would hear,” said the President’s spokesman, Jiří Ovčáček.
The matter is currently being dealt with by lawyers from the ministries involved.
“The Czech Republic should allow its citizens to fight in Ukraine. If our people are brave and determined to go and fight for our freedom, they should have the opportunity,” said Martin Dvořák, deputy minister of foreign affairs, in an interview for the Seznam Zprávy news outlet podcast.
From the EU and NATO countries, Latvia has already legally allowed its citizens to fight in Ukraine. The United Kingdom and Denmark have also reportedly given the nod for foreign volunteers to join the fighting in Ukraine.
“If I see a precedent in other countries, I think it could happen very quickly. But legislation needs to be adjusted. We are already in that war, and Putin has already declared it. We are still trying to comply with international law. However, entering NATO into the war is beyond the bounds of the law,” Dvořák added.
‘It’s my duty to go’: the volunteers leaving the UK to help Ukraine
British, Ukrainian and other nationals prepare to fight the Russian invasion or provide humanitarian aid
British, Ukrainian and other nationals prepare to fight the Russian invasion or provide humanitarian aid
Petro Symchych and Viadimir Bucoros, outside the Ukrainian social club in London. Photograph: Matthew Weaver
Matthew Weaver
Mon 28 Feb 2022
Some of the many British-based volunteers heading to fight in Ukraine say they are willing to die to protect the country from invading Russian forces.
“I’ve spent most of my life enjoying myself, so if I die tomorrow I’ve had a good life,” said one man, 57, who would only give the name Konch. He is planning to drive to Ukraine this week in a convoy of vehicles from the UK.
Konch, a security contractor who grew up in the Midlands, added: “A lot of the other guys I’m going with are ex-forces, but there some that have never fired a water pistol in their lives. Anyone with half an ounce of integrity can’t help feel moved by what’s happening. If Ukrainians are willing to stand up and fight, then so can we.”
Matthew Weaver
Mon 28 Feb 2022
Some of the many British-based volunteers heading to fight in Ukraine say they are willing to die to protect the country from invading Russian forces.
“I’ve spent most of my life enjoying myself, so if I die tomorrow I’ve had a good life,” said one man, 57, who would only give the name Konch. He is planning to drive to Ukraine this week in a convoy of vehicles from the UK.
Konch, a security contractor who grew up in the Midlands, added: “A lot of the other guys I’m going with are ex-forces, but there some that have never fired a water pistol in their lives. Anyone with half an ounce of integrity can’t help feel moved by what’s happening. If Ukrainians are willing to stand up and fight, then so can we.”
Vincent Barnett from Leicester.
Vincent Barnett, 54, from Leicester, fought in Afghanistan and is under no illusions about the dangers of going. “It’s a one-way trip, but I’m prepared for that. I just need to sort out my finances first,” he said.
The senior bus mechanic added: “My wife doesn’t want me to go, but I’m so passionate about it. I just feel sorry for those people who haven’t got the fighting skills of people who have served. I watch it every day on the news.
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“I’ve made my decision, I want to go, and if someone sponsored me I’d go tomorrow. My daughter thinks I’m a nutter.”
But for a Ukrainian lorry driver, Petro Symchych, 48, volunteering to fight is a “duty to our homeland”. He was speaking outside the Ukrainian social club in London before heading off in a car laden with donated supplies. He insisted he was not scared despite the overwhelming military might of the Russians. “Sooner or later we all die,” he said.
Symchych has been reassured by defiant video messages posted by Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy. “At the beginning I wasn’t sure we could trust him, but his videos mean we have started to trust him and he’s proved himself by his actions.”
Symchych is travelling with Viadmir Bucoros, 44, a friend from his home town of Kolomya in western Ukraine. Bucoros, who has been working as a welder in London, said: “You can’t sit still and not do anything. Even British guys are helping, so as a Ukrainian it is my duty to go back and defend my homeland.”
Bucoros, a keen hunter, added: “I’m a good sniper.” He said his 20-year-old daughter was also keen to return to Ukraine and join up with a paramedic group. But he added: “She should stay and finish her education, otherwise she would be coming with me.”
Symchych and Bucoros are just two of the dozens of British-based Ukrainians being supported by the Ukrainian social club. The venue in Holland Park usually hosts social gatherings for the Ukrainian diaspora and Saturday language classes for their children, and has now become a makeshift supply depot.
Vincent Barnett, 54, from Leicester, fought in Afghanistan and is under no illusions about the dangers of going. “It’s a one-way trip, but I’m prepared for that. I just need to sort out my finances first,” he said.
The senior bus mechanic added: “My wife doesn’t want me to go, but I’m so passionate about it. I just feel sorry for those people who haven’t got the fighting skills of people who have served. I watch it every day on the news.
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“I’ve made my decision, I want to go, and if someone sponsored me I’d go tomorrow. My daughter thinks I’m a nutter.”
But for a Ukrainian lorry driver, Petro Symchych, 48, volunteering to fight is a “duty to our homeland”. He was speaking outside the Ukrainian social club in London before heading off in a car laden with donated supplies. He insisted he was not scared despite the overwhelming military might of the Russians. “Sooner or later we all die,” he said.
Symchych has been reassured by defiant video messages posted by Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy. “At the beginning I wasn’t sure we could trust him, but his videos mean we have started to trust him and he’s proved himself by his actions.”
Symchych is travelling with Viadmir Bucoros, 44, a friend from his home town of Kolomya in western Ukraine. Bucoros, who has been working as a welder in London, said: “You can’t sit still and not do anything. Even British guys are helping, so as a Ukrainian it is my duty to go back and defend my homeland.”
Bucoros, a keen hunter, added: “I’m a good sniper.” He said his 20-year-old daughter was also keen to return to Ukraine and join up with a paramedic group. But he added: “She should stay and finish her education, otherwise she would be coming with me.”
Symchych and Bucoros are just two of the dozens of British-based Ukrainians being supported by the Ukrainian social club. The venue in Holland Park usually hosts social gatherings for the Ukrainian diaspora and Saturday language classes for their children, and has now become a makeshift supply depot.
James Fern, who is planning to drive an ambulance from London to Ukraine.
“We are supplying them with rucksacks, body armour, helps and first aid kits,” said Iryna Estevez, 39, who has turned her skills as a travel company director to arranging journeys for volunteer fighters. “There are over 50 people on the list of people going this week,” she added. They include Anzhela Razina, 47, a former female athletics champion who has been working in the UK as an electrician. She is returning to Ukraine with a group of 10 on flight via Poland on Monday. “When you see your family needing help you have to go and help. I will try to fight if I can,” she said.
Not everyone travelling from the UK was going to fight. Tom Dutton, 42, who runs a carpet business in Morecambe, was planning to drive a borrowed van filled medical aid in the next two weeks. Once he arrives he plans to help as many people as he can to leave the country. Dutton, who spent time in the navy, said: “I’m not going to fight, but I will if I have to – I just want to help get as many people as I can.”
Dutton said he made the decision to go after watching news footage of a young girl in Ukraine crying for help. “She was a similar daughter’s age and you could just see the fear in her eyes. I never cry but I was bawling my eyes out and I just messaged my missus to say: ‘I’m going to Ukraine.’”
James Fern, 38, an ex-army medic who runs a medical support company, is raising funds to drive a donated ambulance from London to Ukraine. He plans to arrive by the middle of next week.
“It just something I do,” he said. “I’m on autopilot right now. I imagine I’ll be staying there and assisting with the administration.”
Nevertheless, he is wary of volunteer foreign fighters. Fern said: “I’m tired of war tourists. I had to deal with many of those in Iraq and they are just a pain. I’ll be there for medical assistance – it’s a humanitarian instinct.”
“We are supplying them with rucksacks, body armour, helps and first aid kits,” said Iryna Estevez, 39, who has turned her skills as a travel company director to arranging journeys for volunteer fighters. “There are over 50 people on the list of people going this week,” she added. They include Anzhela Razina, 47, a former female athletics champion who has been working in the UK as an electrician. She is returning to Ukraine with a group of 10 on flight via Poland on Monday. “When you see your family needing help you have to go and help. I will try to fight if I can,” she said.
Not everyone travelling from the UK was going to fight. Tom Dutton, 42, who runs a carpet business in Morecambe, was planning to drive a borrowed van filled medical aid in the next two weeks. Once he arrives he plans to help as many people as he can to leave the country. Dutton, who spent time in the navy, said: “I’m not going to fight, but I will if I have to – I just want to help get as many people as I can.”
Dutton said he made the decision to go after watching news footage of a young girl in Ukraine crying for help. “She was a similar daughter’s age and you could just see the fear in her eyes. I never cry but I was bawling my eyes out and I just messaged my missus to say: ‘I’m going to Ukraine.’”
James Fern, 38, an ex-army medic who runs a medical support company, is raising funds to drive a donated ambulance from London to Ukraine. He plans to arrive by the middle of next week.
“It just something I do,” he said. “I’m on autopilot right now. I imagine I’ll be staying there and assisting with the administration.”
Nevertheless, he is wary of volunteer foreign fighters. Fern said: “I’m tired of war tourists. I had to deal with many of those in Iraq and they are just a pain. I’ll be there for medical assistance – it’s a humanitarian instinct.”
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