A message about the war in Ukraine from the Minister for Defence People and Veterans.
The Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty MP, has written an open letter to all Veterans and serving Military Personnel, requesting that they do not, under any circumstances, travel to Ukraine with the intention of fighting, or assisting others engaged in the ongoing conflict.
Key points from the letter are below and the full letter can be read here.
Travelling to Ukraine do not only put individuals at significant risk, they may also amount to offences against UK legislation that could lead to prosecution.
Veterans and serving Military Personnel should not, under any circumstances, travel to Ukraine with the intention of fighting, or assisting others engaged in the ongoing conflict.
Such actions do not only put individuals at significant risk, they may also amount to offences against UK legislation that could lead to prosecution.
Many of our veteran community have shared their desire to travel to the Ukraine to fight, however travel is not encouraged. Ukraine requires equipment and funds, rather than volunteers who would place an additional pressure on stretched resources and be at risk in a dangerous environment.
Instead, our community can help by donating and fundraising. The UK government has pledged to match fund donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee.
The UK and its allies are responding to Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, by enhancing Ukraine’s defence capability and providing humanitarian assistance. Since 2015, Operation ORBITAL has seen more than 20,000 members of the Ukrainian armed forces being trained by British troops, making the UK one of the leading European supporter of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
RAF Typhoon fighter jets have conducted their first air policing missions, with an additional four aircraft now based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. Over 1,000 more British troops are ready to deploy, along with Challenger 2 tanks, armoured vehicles and 800 additional troops to Estonia imminently.
The government has outlined further ways in which people can help here.
Veterans who find their mental health and wellbeing affected by the invasion can seek NHS support here.
