THE suggestion Britons would be supported if they travelled to Ukraine to fight against Russia has been rubbished by the head of the armed forces.
Liz Truss said she supported UK citizens travelling to Eastern Europe to fight alongside Ukrainians.
But chief of defence staff Tony Radakin it would be “unlawful” for Britons to “rush to … the sound of gunfire”.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson clarifies stance on Brits going to fight in Ukraine
The Foreign Secretary made the controversial comment when asked whether she backed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s calls for Europeans to “join the defence of security in Europe”.
He has said the country will set up an international legion for those who wish to travel to Ukraine and fight back against the Russian invasion.
Truss added: “The people of Ukraine are fighting for freedom and democracy not just for Ukraine, but for the whole of Europe because that’s what President Putin is challenging.”
Radakin told the BBC’s Sunday Morning show: “We’ve been very clear that it’s unlawful as well as unhelpful for UK military and for the UK population to start going towards Ukraine in that sense.
“Support from the UK, support in whatever way you can. But this isn’t really something that you want to rush to, in terms of the sound of gunfire. This is about sensible support, based in the UK.”
While recognised the “sentiment” Truss was expressing, he said that should be “channelled into support for Ukraine”.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson uncomfortable as he's asked about Russian influence on UK politics in resurfaced clip
He added: “But we’re saying as professional military people that is not necessarily the sensible thing to be doing.”
The Prime Minister has also been drawn into the row, having to clarify Truss’ remarks last week.
Boris Johnson said the UK was not “actively supporting” volunteers who travelled to Ukraine.
He added: “But I understand of course the feelings of people who feel emotionally engaged in this conflict because I cannot think of a time in international affairs when the difference between right and wrong, between good and evil, has been so obvious.”
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