Leon Dawson as he volunteered to fight for Ukraine at its London embassy
(Picture: Sjy News)A Surrey gym owner who volunteered to fight for Ukraine said he has been rejected because he would be a “liability”.
Leon Dawson, 37, revealed he was willing to die for the cause as he approached the Ukrainian embassy in London and asked how he could fight in the foreign legion.
But now Mr Dawson, who has never held a gun before, said he was turned down by officials because they thought he would be a hindrance.
He told Sky News: “I'm not a stupid person. I understand war is way more than just people shooting.
“To be fair, I don't think I would be much help shooting. I haven't used a gun before, I don't know the language, I don't know the tactics. I would be better put to work doing something else.”
The gym owner claimed the Ukrainian officials told him they had neither the time or resources to train him.
Now the 37-year-old has a new plan as he is driving to Poland with friend Kai Portlock with a van full of aid.
However, he said if Ukraine still wanted him to fight it would be “something I'm willing to do”.
Mr Dawson was among a group of people filmed at the Ukrainian embassy asking to join the foreign legion.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said last month she would “absolutely” support Brits making their way to Ukraine to fight Russian troops.
However, the Government has since rowed back on her comments and they have advised British nationals not to travel to Ukraine.
Officials said several members of the British Armed Forces who have reportedly gone AWOL to fight in Ukraine risked prosecution.
Speaking during his interview on February 28 as he volunteered, Mr Dawson said: “We've come to join the Ukrainian army, or whatever they're called, the foreign legion.
“We're young, strong, fit men, we can help so why not.”
When asked if he had any military experience, he replied: “Absolutely none.”
Last week, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 16,000 foreign nationals had volunteered to join Ukrainian forces.
