Together We Defeated Hitler And We Will Defeat Putin Too

Hundreds of British volunteers could be fighting Vladimir Putin’s invaders in a Foreign Legion-style unit set up by Ukraine’s leader.

- Giles Sheldrick

President Volodymyr Zelensky is forming the group, created “to defeat Putin like we defeated Hitler” after thousands said they would fight Russian aggressors.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said yesterday she would “absolutely” back anyone enlisting in the International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine.

The cry for international help came as Ukrainian forces in its second biggest city, Kharkiv, repelled a heavy Russian onslaught.

Foreign affairs minister Dmytro Kuleba said: “Foreigners willing to defend Ukraine and world order, I invite you to contact foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine in your respective countries.

“Together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin, too.”

Ms Truss said: “The people of Ukraine are fighting for freedom and democracy, not just for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe. If people want to support that struggle, I would support them in doing that.”

Her comments are highly controversial. The Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 makes it illegal to join an overseas army at war with a country that is at peace with the UK.

In 2014, Britons travelling to join Syria’s civil war were warned that they risked prosecution.

Meanwhile, in what European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen called a “watershed” step, the EU is to ship arms to Ukraine.

Ms von der Leyen also announced new sanctions against Russia and its ally Belarus, and a ban on Russia using EU airspace.

President Zelensky, 44, has won world admiration for refusing to flee the capital Kyiv to fight alongside his people.