Meet the brave British soldiers who take up arms and fight for Ukraine

Dozens more Britons have vowed to reach out to help Ukrainians defend their country from Russian aggression.

Former military sniper Shane Matthews is among those responding to a call to arms from Ukraine’s president, urging foreign fighters to help protect their people.

Mr Mathews, who completed several tours of Afghanistan And Iraqplan to fly Poland Before crossing the border on Monday and meeting a Ukrainian colonel, who he says has agreed to ‘arms’ him and the others.

34-year-old, who served as a lance corporal with the 2nd Battalion princess of walesThe Royal Regiment aims to head to Kyiv for six years until 2009.

Carrying 60 kilograms of donated medical supplies, Mr Mathew will go to the front lines to treat wounded Ukrainians, provide training for civilians and, if necessary, fight.

Douglas Lambourn from west London said: ‘My mother’s Polish and my family is in Ukraine. I am 25 and sitting at home, and my time is better to go there and do the right thing.

Mr Matthews, from Chichester, West Sussex, said: ‘What Russia has done is disgusting. This is beyond condemnable. The Russian people do not want to get involved. ‘The Russian army doesn’t know why they are there. As far as I am concerned, if you can fight then it is your duty to fight.’

Dozens of volunteers arrived at the Ukrainian embassy in London yesterday hoping to defend the country.

Alex Pickett of Andover, Hampshire said: ‘I will do whatever I can.’

The 32-year-old, who works in private security, said: ‘I am non-military, but I am an Englishman. My heart is in the right place and that is why I am doing this.

Alex Pickett of Andover, Hampshire said: ‘I will do whatever I can’

Mr Matthews, from Chichester, West Sussex, said: ‘What Russia has done is disgusting. This is beyond condemnable’

Oliver Miller, a 29-year-old mechanical engineering student from Chelmsford, Essex, said he was ‘hoping to go out and help somehow’, adding: ‘I know if I don’t do something about it, I’ll be myself. I will kick ,

Douglas Lambourn from west London said: ‘My mother’s Polish and my family is in Ukraine. I am 25 years old and sitting at home, and my time is better to go there and do the right thing.

Liam Hawkins, 30, from London, said: ‘I haven’t slept since this invasion and I can’t stay at home with my kids and my missile and do nothing. Right is right and wrong is wrong… I know it’s dangerous, people are trying to talk to me, but I believe I can make a difference.’