A young plumber from Cork has made the brave decision to return to Ukraine to defend his country against Russian attacks. Watch the emotional footage below:
Pavlo Serdiuk travelled to Ireland with his father when he was just 18, leaving other members of his family behind.
Advert
Now 23, the lad is flying back to his home nation to join Ukrainian forces fighting against Russia’s military invasion.
Speaking to RTE News at Dublin Airport, he said: “I didn’t want my mother to know, but my father told her that I’m going. I’m getting calls from my mother, my mother’s sister, my grandmother — they don’t make it any easier, they say 'you’re going to die'… not going to lie, I’m scared, but I’m still going.
"I'm not going to lie I am scared, the closer you get the more scared you are but it is what it is."
Pavlo was joined by other Ukrainians at Dublin Airport, who had been given helmets and other military supplies by members of the Irish-Ukrainian community.
Advert
The touching scenes aired on RTE, showing family members embracing each other, not knowing when they will next be together again.
Pavlo's friend in Cork shared a message of support saying, "My dear friend I hope you will be back soon and we will have lots of pints together."
Razvan Atat, who worked with Pavlo in Dunnes in Cork a few years ago, told CorkBeo he hopes his friend returns ‘soon’.
Those choosing to return to Ukraine have responded to calls from President Zelenskyy who asked nationals to return home to defend their country against Russian forces.
Advert
Earlier today, President Zelenskyy warned that the next 24 hours would be 'crucial' for Ukraine.
Speaking to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday (27 February) evening, he stated that the fifth day of the Russian invasion would be pivotal for his nation.
"The Prime Minister lauded the bravery of the Ukrainian people following the Russian invasion and praised the leadership of President Zelenskyy in the face of such adversity.
"The resistance of the Ukrainian people was heroic,” the Prime Minister added.
"President Zelenskyy said he believed the next 24 hours was a crucial period for Ukraine, and the Prime Minister said he would do all he could to help ensure defensive aid from the UK and allies reached Ukraine.
Advert
"The leaders agreed to continue to stay in close contact and the Prime Minister reiterated the UK's staunch support for Ukraine's sovereignty."
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.
Topics: World News, Ukraine, Russia
Abbi Murray