A 19-year-old Brit with no previous military experience has travelled to Ukraine to fight in the war against Russia.
On Saturday night (6 March), the teenager known only as Jamie travelled to the warzone by himself after contacting a London-based organisation recruiting individuals to provide additional aid to Ukraine.
Jamie’s mum, who has remained anonymous, told ITV News: “He hasn’t got any military experience or anything like that. He did go to army cadets, but it was only the very early stages.
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“He’s never shot a rifle or anything like that.”
Despite being ‘obsessed with the military’, Jamie’s only connection to the army is playing the video game, Call of Duty.
His uncle, who has also remained anonymous, said: “He’s got that care inside of him, but there’s also that side where he doesn’t fully understand the repercussions of shooting a weapon.”
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After joking that he was going to travel to Ukraine to fight, Jamie actually contacted an organisation himself.
He wrote to them: “Hello, I am here to sign up to help Ukraine fight off Russia. I was told to email you to get more information about it. Kind regards: Jamie.”
They replied, thanking him for his support, and asked him to fill out a form.
However, the organisation explicitly told him only to book tickets if he had previous ‘military/combat or medical, rescue, firefighting or mechanical experience’.
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Jamie replied back, stating he had booked his £45 flight to Warsaw.
His mum continued: “Not in a million years would I think that he would be able to do that on his own for the first time, with no travel experience whatsoever.
“His passport is still a child’s passport.”
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Jamie’s uncle added: “The fact that he’s able to, in 36 hours, sign up with no checks. We should be checking people who are going.”
Jamie’s family are convinced he’s been influenced by media coverage and what he’s seen online.
They’ve also criticised Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, for offering her support to those who wish to ‘privately’ join the fight.
Jamie’s mum said: “He’s seen that. He’s seen it on his YouTube feed. It’s only a couple of days after that it’s all happened. He’s gone. It shouldn’t have happened."
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“We’re not against people wanting to fight,” his uncle continued, "But a 19-year-old boy...”
The mum has since been in contact with her son, who has promised to update her daily on how he is doing.
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, UK News, Russia, Ukraine
Abbi Murray