A Scottish man who has been putting his body on the line to help fight for Ukraine’s freedom has spoken of how he will be spending the festive period with his comrades.
Adam Ennis, 35, made his way from Biggar to the Eastern European country that has been under siege by Russian forces since Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion.
Adam had a rare day off to celebrate Christmas but says that he was not able to spend it with loved ones back home. The garage owner has been involved in fighting on two major fronts and is understood to be staying on the front line until the war is over, the Daily Record reports.
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He told BBC Scotland: "I have no plans to come back home anytime soon. My heart is invested in this war effort like the brave boys around me.
He added: "I will miss my family and friends over this period but I am lucky to have good people around me. I will be thinking of all those not as fortunate.
"It doesn't feel like Christmas to be honest. Mentally we have switched back to game time.
"We owe it to each other, to our families who have had to deal with the heartbreak of our decision to be involved in this war, to finish this and free Ukraine once and for all."
In a post on his Instagram account, he told his followers: "Few days off and back to work on boxing day!
"First of all to all Ukranians, although we go through the toughest of times together, your unity, determination, positivity and will to be free inspires not only those like me that you have accepted as one of your own, but also the entire world. Although this war has been brutal and life changing for all of us there is nowhere else I would rather be.
"To all those at home I wish you a Merry Christmas. Enjoy this time with your families. We will miss ours but at least we have each other. Keep these people in your thoughts and help in whatever way you can whether it's food donations or money to charity every little helps. The situation is dire out here and civilians rely on donations to live."
Adam was hailed as a hero earlier this year after featuring in the photographic exhibition, Warriors of the World - Warriors of Light, alongside a documentary, International Legion, at the Bouquet Kyiv Stage Festival.
Those who organised the event have described the group as "warriors from different countries, who are defending our state".
The Foreign Office has warned Brits against travelling to Ukraine to fight. Their website says: "If you travel to Ukraine to fight, or to assist others engaged in the war, your activities may amount to offences under UK legislation and you could be prosecuted on your return to the UK.
"British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. Additionally, British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have been detained. The risk to life, or of mistreatment, is high. Consular support in these circumstances will be very limited."
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