A BRITON who battled the Taliban has saved thousands of animals from Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, including a 600kg bear.
Former soldier Tom S-N has rescued more than 3,000 animals using his military skills. He said: “There is no situation I wouldn’t put myself in to rescue an animal. Animals have given me life, peace and love. Everything I do is for them.”
He embarked on his first rescue mission just six days after the war in Ukraine broke out on February 24, 2022.
Mr S-N, who previously served in Afghanistan and Iraq, entered the conflict zone from the Romanian border with a friend to rescue 70 dogs in a shelter near the frontline, east of Kharkiv.
Speaking about the mission he said: “A one-vehicle military escort guided us to the shelter.
“We drove through the city which was derelict, like a scene from a zombie apocalypse with only wild boars roaming the snow-covered streets.
A Briton who battled the Taliban has saved thousands of animals from Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine (Image: Daily Star)
“When we got to the shelter, we were 500 metres from the Russian frontline.
“Bombs were dropping either side of us, rounds whistled overhead and shells were dropping 10 or 15 metres from the walls so we had to move quickly.
“In the end, we got all 70 dogs evacuated within an hour.”
His rescue team, known as Breaking the Chains, is now made up of four members, supported by a 20-strong team of veterinarians and animal shelter staff.
He embarked on his first rescue mission just six days after the war in Ukraine broke out in February (Image: Daily Star)
