‘We can help’: Brits sign up to defend Ukraine against Russia

British volunteers eager to fight against Vladimir Putin's forces are heading to the Ukrainian embassy in London to enlist - despite warnings from ministers that they could be breaking the law if they do so.

Groups of men were seen speaking with Ukranian officials outside the embassy in west London, after answering Ukraine's call to arms for foreign fighters wishing to join the country's defence.

Among them was gym owner Leon Dawson, who said he was prepared to lose his life fighting in the country's newly formed International Legion.

"They look like they need help,” says Dawson. “We're young, strong, fit men. We can help, so why not?"

As well as young men, 60-year-old Brian Grove was among the Brits hoping to travel to Ukraine.

The former Territorial Army member from Kent says he is “ready to get on a flight tomorrow” if permitted.

“I'm 60, which means I'm just about within the age range they will accept,” jokes Grove.

It is still unclear whether foreign nationals will be legally allowed to represent the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the current conflict.

Warnings from UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace urged Brits against joining the fighting, suggesting there were better ways to assist Ukraine - including volunteering to support refugees, or donating to the Ukrainian embassy.

But while Wallance remained resistant to the idea, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said she “wouldn’t oppose” British nationals travelling to the country to fight the Russian invasion.

For those determined to go, Ukraine has waived visa requirements for foreigners entering the nation in order to help fight against the Russian military.

In a decree signed on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy authorised a ‘temporary visa-free regime’ for foreigners who