Jeremy Clarkson has called on his fans for help to support the family and friends of Ukrainian beekeeper Viktor Zaichenko who works at Diddly Squat Farm.
The TV presenter, 61, revealed the Diddly Squat Farm’s beekeeper was trying to raise money to help the war efforts in Ukraine.
Speaking directly to the camera from the farm, The Grand Tour star spoke of Zaichenko’s family and friends needing help from “behind Russian lines”.
In a message to his 4.6 million Instagram followers, he said: “Sorry to barge in here like this, but Viktor the ‘bee man’ at Diddly Squat farm is Ukrainian. He’s got a lot of family and friends who are stuck there and need our help.
“You can donate money which will help them buy vehicles that they need to evacuate people who are stuck behind Russian lines.
“I can hardly believe I’m saying this in Europe today, but anyway, they are stuck, they need to get them out. So pickup trucks, anything they can get their hands on. That’s what they need the money for. Please please help, if you can.”
Clarkson also provided a link to the Just Giving page where supporters could donate money.
Zaichenko is trying to raise thousands of pounds to get access to armoured vehicles that can help Ukrainians that remain in his country.
The beekeeper, who moved to the UK in 2001, has raised almost £30,000 through his crowdfunding page so far.
On the fundraising page, the bee farmer explained a Ukrainian friend had asked for help in sourcing armoured vehicles that would be used in rescue missions and to evacuate civilians in the most dangerous locations.
Zaichenko also explained his parents had remained behind in Ukraine and his brother had joined the Territorial Army to fight against Russia.
He then thanked Clarkson and the rest of the Diddly Squat Farm team for their continued support.
Zaichenko wrote: “We are immensely grateful to have the support of our friends here in the UK: Jeremy, Lisa and the wonderful team at Diddly Squat who have promised to help us with sourcing the vehicles that we need, and maybe find us some brave drivers who will deliver them over the Ukrainian border too.”
Clarkson’s video came shortly before the television star reunited with the Clarkson’s Farm cast at the pub.
The second season of Clarkson’s Farm is rumoured to be released later in 2022 on Amazon Prime.
