A man from Manchester with no military experience who flew out to fight alongside Ukraine and repel Russia's invasion said he's 'willing to die for this cause'.
And he said he only told his parents 'the truth' after he arrived in the country.
He initially told them he was travelling to help stricken refugees, but said they have since voiced their support and pride, according to reports emerging tonight.
James, who's 22, was pictured with another heavily-armed Brit currently in Ukraine ready to take on Vladimir Putin's troops, reports The Mirror.
Armed with AK-47s, James and a man who said his name was Thomas, also 22, are seen wearing masks as they flank their Ukrainian commander at an unknown location inside the war zone.
The duo are among an estimated 20,000 foreign nationals who have travelled to Ukraine to fight since the conflict erupted.
The Mirror interviewed them via phone from their base in Ukraine.
James from Manchester arrived in Ukraine two weeks ago and is one of around 15 Brits to join the Georgian National Legion. The international band of volunteers have answered Ukraine's call for foreigners to help fight against the Russian invaders.
He said he initially told his family he was travelling to help refugees and only later revealed his real intention to 'fight for freedom', despite having no military experience.
He told the Mirror : "I only told them the truth when I got here as I'm not good with goodbyes. My mum was very supportive but my dad was a bit like 'ugh'. I think they were worried for me.
"They are proud I am standing up for Ukraine but scared for my safety. If it comes down to it I am willing to die for this cause. I know I may never return home but if I die I'm dying for freedom."
James said he was unemployed when the war in Ukraine erupted, although he said he used to work in warehouses, changing jobs every few weeks.
He said: "I'd been following the conflict in Ukraine for a while and then it blew out of the water. I thought the only way I could help was getting boots on the ground. I caught a flight to Poland and then hitch-hiked to the border.
"I contacted the Georgian National Legion online and they came and picked me up from near the border."
Since arriving two weeks ago, James said he has enrolled in basic training, with target practice, infantry tactics and first aid lessons taking up much of his time.
He said: "They've given me a Kalashnikov rifle. It's the first time I've shot a gun. It wasn't what I was expecting. I got a bit of an adrenaline rush when I shot it, they aren't toys."
And he said the dangerous reality of his new life became apparent within a few of joining the Georgian National Legion. "On the first night, I'd only been here a few hours when there was an air raid. It made it feel very real," he said.
"There have been air raids basically every night. It's crazy."
The Brit added that Ukrainians are grateful that he and other foreigners are volunteering to fight against Russia. "People really appreciate that we've come here. The people don't feel alone now and that give me a warm feeling in my heart," he said.
On Sunday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said 20,000 foreigners had applied to join Ukraine's military, with James revealing that there are around 15 British volunteers in his unit.
He called on Boris Johnson to provide more supplies to Ukraine, including Stinger anti-air missiles. He plans to stay in Ukraine until the war is over and hopes to become a part of the country's official armed forces in the future.
Another Brit - who identified himself to the Mirror as Thomas, 25, from London - has also signed up with the Georgian National Legion.
Neither James nor Thomas wanted to reveal their surnames or their location in Ukraine due to security fears.
Thomas told the Mirror he hopes to halt Putin 's territorial expansion by pushing back the Russians in Ukraine. The former British Army soldier said: "First of all it was Georgia, now it's Ukraine and next it will be London. It's a three-hour flight here, it's quicker than going to Manchester and I would defend Manchester."
Thomas said he decided to volunteer in Ukraine after realising that the people were willing to stand and fight for their country.
