A Warminster resident has returned from a six-day humanitarian trip to Ukraine, where he joined a volunteer convoy delivering vital aid and vehicles to the front line.
John Russell kitted out an ex-utility company Ford Ranger ahead of the trip to Lviv, in Western Ukraine, with his three friends.
The visit came after he attended an inspiring talk about the charity Pick-ups for Peace, which described how volunteers raised money to buy second-hand pick-ups to load with aid supplies.
John said, “While it was estimated that the vehicles only had an average life of 7–10 weeks before they were destroyed or otherwise written off, it was also estimated that each vehicle saved some 10 lives during its life.
“The talk caught my imagination and with adventures in short supply I and three friends decided to volunteer to acquire two pick-ups and join a convoy set to go [to] Lviv in May.”
John and his friends Anthony, Nicholas and Mike set off on a route which took them through Poland and Germany.
Once in Ukraine, a police car accompanied the convoy and drivers were told not to stop for red lights. Civilian traffic pulled to the side of the road as the aid vehicles sped on and met with members of the Ukrainian army.
John added, “While the UK basked in a heatwave, in Ukraine the next day dawned cold with a bitter wind, fitting weather for our first visit, which was to the Field of Mars: Lviv’s war cemetery for soldiers of the city killed since 2014.
“Every grave flies a Ukrainian flag, displays a photograph of the soldier and has a bench for mourners, of whom there were many. It was most moving and rammed home the sacrifice the Ukrainians are making in defence of their nation and, indeed, Europe.
“Following this sobering visit, we returned for the formal handover of our vehicles with speeches by civilian and military dignitaries.”
John and his fellow volunteers were then driven to the Polish border, which they crossed on foot – following the same route as the waves of refugees in 2022.
Now back in the UK, he is making plans to share his experience with the local community.
John added, “To conclude, to me it’s black and white: the Ukrainians have been invaded and they are defending their country, nation, their chosen way of life and Europe. They are losing a huge number of young men and women from a key generation and they are short of everything.
“We are unbelievably fortunate in the UK and if we do not want war to come to us we should support the Ukrainians in whatever way we can. If you would like to learn more, we will be giving an illustrated talk about our journey in Codford village hall on Friday 4th July starting at 6.30pm.
“All are welcome and the talk is free.”
John’s group have also decided to make a second trip to Ukraine, and donations to the cause can be made at https://shorturl.at/XtuLz
