Dominic Smithers
A British man who volunteered to fight in Ukraine has ben rejected, it has been revealed.
Leon Dawson, from Surrey, has no military experience and no connection to Ukraine but had planned on helping the country defend itself from the Russian invasion.
Hoping to head over with a group of friends, the 37-year-old was part of a growing number of British volunteers that had made the journey to Eastern Europe.
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However, Leon has now revealed that his offer of help was rejected because he was deemed to be 'more of a liability than a help'.
The gym owner told Sky News that a Ukrainian official told him: "We don't have the resources to train you, we don't have the time to train you either."
Leon said: "I'm not a stupid person. I understand war is way more than just people shooting.
"To be fair, I don't think I would be much help shooting. I haven't used a gun before, I don't know the language, I don't know the tactics. I would be better put to work doing something else."
But he is still travelling to the Polish border with Ukraine to help deliver aid and is waiting to take up arms if needed.
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He added: "If they need me to fight then obviously that's something I'm willing to do," he told Sky News.
"What I'm not going to do is go there and get myself trapped. I don't speak the language, I don't have any of the currency. I don't have anyone to help me.
"To get trapped there would be obviously very, very bad. I'm trying not to let that happen."
Speaking last month about his plans for joining the 'foreign legion' of fighters invited by the Ukrainian government to help with the war, Leon said it's something he felt he needed to do.
“They look like they need help. We're young, strong, fit men - we can help. So, why not?"
Shortly after making contact with the embassy, he began packing for the journey, ready to fly out to Ukraine at a moment’s notice and showing off gear that he says was lent to him by a friend in the Marines, quipping: "He does want it back, so let's hope we make it back alive."
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"I’ve never been to Ukraine, I don’t know anyone who is Ukrainian, I know nothing about Ukraine,” Leon said. "All I know is that they’re being invaded by a bigger, more superior party and they need help.
Women and children are being bombed and killed. If I'm this scared and apprehensive, what are the people over there going through? They must be absolutely terrified."
And when asked if his family were aware of his intentions, Leon said: “My family are quite upset. Obviously it is a hard time."
But he is not alone in his efforts to help Ukraine defend itself from Vladimir Putin's military, almost 20,000 people have offered their help.