A British volunteer who spent three years fighting in Ukraine says he witnessed Russian forces commit countless war crimes and believes that while Ukraine can reclaim its occupied territories, the cost in human lives would be devastating.
Leon Cribb, 33, from Chichester, West Sussex, first traveled to Ukraine on his motorbike in 2022, carrying medical supplies after seeing images of a bombed maternity hospital. Initially planning to return home, he instead stayed on as a volunteer medic in Kyiv, where he later received a medal for his efforts in protecting the capital.
Cribb described seeing phosphorus bombs used on civilian areas in Avdiivka, something banned under international law. He said he was “sickened” by Russia’s disregard for civilian lives, calling it a “rotten ideology” that fuels Moscow’s aggression.
Over time, he joined Ukraine’s 2nd International Legion despite having no formal military background. He later became a reconnaissance drone pilot and was deployed during Ukraine’s 2024 incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, where he was injured but survived thanks to his helmet.
Speaking a year later, Cribb reflected on the brutal reality of the frontlines, calling the conflict “worse than the First World War.” He emphasized the extreme toll on young Ukrainians, many just 18 years old, who are defending trench positions against advanced drones and constant shelling.
Cribb also highlighted Russia’s use of deception tactics, such as dressing as civilians, while noting that Ukrainian forces treated local residents in Kursk better than Russian authorities did.
His comments come shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Ukraine could eventually reclaim all its occupied land. Cribb agreed this outcome is possible but warned:
“The amount of bloodshed in order to achieve that would be astronomical, unless there was a complete capitulation or collapse of Russian forces.”
Now back in the UK and pursuing a master’s degree in War Studies, Cribb says he still hopes for peace but remains deeply shaken by what he saw. More than 40 British volunteers have died in Ukraine, and the UK government continues to advise against travel to the warzone.
Eventually both the Europeans and the Americans will realize they have no alternative than to risk everything to defeat the age old strategy of the uncivilized attacking the civilized. By refusing any restraint they leave you no alternative except killing them to the last arrogant resentful barbarian who is convinced he or she is inherently a superior form of human to effete civilized westerners. Civilization is to them a sign of decline - abandoning the ethos of the Warrior to a compromise with softness and genteel living.
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