A NORTH EAST man has said he is planning to fight alongside Ukrainians despite having no army or conflict experience.

The man from Newcastle has already been to the Ukrainian Embassy where he collected an email address to volunteer his services, that immediately wrote.

The 34-year-old, who doesn't wish to be named, admitted that he felt "fit" as he confirmed the extremely bold move.

Read more: This County Durham business man is travelling to Ukraine to help the war torn country

It comes as the Foreign Secretary Liz Truss this week said she would "absolutely" support British nationals who chose to fight against the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

The Northern Echo: A soldier walks along Ukrainian armoured vehicles blocking a street in Kyiv, Ukraine Picture supplied by PAA soldier walks along Ukrainian armoured vehicles blocking a street in Kyiv, Ukraine Picture supplied by PA

Explaining his decision was down to "solidarity" for those in the crisis-hit country, he said: “We’ve convinced ourselves that we’re stepping in and we’re helping by having Facebook photos and tweeting solidarity but it doesn’t really make a difference to anyone.

“Solidarity doesn’t look real if you don’t do anything”.

The man, who works as a contractor in finance, said despite his plans to travel to crisis-hit Ukraine, he had never been in the army.

He said: “I’ve never been in but I’ve not got kids, I’m 34, feel fit”.

When asked if he was scared, he said: “Possibly a little but that’s no reason not to do anything in life. I’m ready, I think”.

He was not alone on Tuesday (March 1) in visiting the Ukraine Embasy as a "steady stream" of people had arrived, ready to fight in the country.

The Northern Echo: Liz Truss said she would “absolutely” support British nationals who chose to go to help fight against the Russian invasion. (PA)Liz Truss said she would “absolutely” support British nationals who chose to go to help fight against the Russian invasion. (PA)

At the embassy, Oliver Miller, 29, a mechanical engineering student from Chelmsford, Essex, said he is “hoping to go out and help somehow”.

He said: “Obviously, the conflict in Ukraine has been going on for a while, conflict with Russia dabbling in stuff they shouldn’t has been going on for even longer.

“I don’t want to sound cliched and cheesy, but sometimes it’s something you feel like you have to do.

“And quite frankly, I kicked myself over not doing anything about Donbas, and I know I’ll kick myself if I don’t do anything about this.”

Asked on the BBC’s Sunday Morning programme if she would support UK citizens who chose to answer the call, Ms Truss said: “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.

“Absolutely, if people want to support that struggle I would support them in doing that.”

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