‘It’s my duty to go’: the volunteers leaving the UK to help Ukraine

Petro Symchych and Viadimir Bucoros, outside the Ukrainian social club in London. Photograph: Matthew Weaver

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.