LONDON (CU)_As Ukrainian forces battle Russian troops invading from several fronts, President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging foreign nationals to join “the defence of security in Europe”. Speaking on Sunday, the Ukrainian leader said his country was setting up an international legion of volunteers who wish to join Ukrainian troops in their fight against Russian forces.
Meanwhile, the government of UK said that British troops will not be deployed to fight on the ground, but would assist Ukraine “with every piece of equipment we can get to them”, according to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Nevertheless, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on Sunday, confirmed her support for British individuals who wish to go to Ukraine to join the international force. Pointing out that it was up to the people to make their own decisions, she described it as a battle “for democracy”.
Participating in an interview on BBC One’s Sunday Morning programme, the Foreign Secretary was inquired if she would support anyone wanting to volunteer to fight for Ukrainian, to which she replied “absolutely”. “That is something people can make their own decisions about. The people of Ukraine are fighting for freedom and democracy, not just for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe,” she added.
These comments made by Truss echoed a statement made by President Zelensky earlier on Sunday. “This is not just Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this is the beginning of a war against Europe. Against European unity,” the Ukrainian leader was quoted as saying on his official website. “Everyone who wants to join the defence of security in Europe and the world may come and stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians against the invaders of the 21st Century.”
