A VETERAN from St Helens has given a first-hand account of the reality and consequences of the war in Ukraine.

Dean Owen, founder of St Helens-based veteran support network No Duff, travelled into Ukraine on Monday, April 11 to deliver humanitarian aid and assist with civilian casualties.

On his return to St Helens, Dean said that people "need to know" about the devastation of the Russian invasion.

St Helens Star: Dean Owen has reported of shelled vehicles and destroyed buildings inside UkraineDean Owen has reported of shelled vehicles and destroyed buildings inside Ukraine

St Helens Star: Bucha and Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv, have been badly hit by the Russian invasionBucha and Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv, have been badly hit by the Russian invasion

After entering Ukraine through check-points in north-western Lviv, Dean and Ric Coulson, a veteran from Bradford, trekked to Bucha and Irpin, two cities on the outskirts of Kyiv.

Earlier in the month, there were reports of a "massacre" in Bucha with hundreds of bodies found after Vladimir Putin's troops withdrew from the region.

Witnessing the aftermath of the devastation, Dean reported seeing shelled vehicles left on the side of the road as well as destroyed homes and evacuated buildings.

St Helens Star: A shelled van left on the side of the roadA shelled van left on the side of the road

St Helens Star: Inside an evacuated homeInside an evacuated home

He added that civilians feel "numb" from the atrocities of war, but are "very grateful" for any donations to support them through this period.

With plans to return to Ukraine, Dean, from Sutton Heath and who has served in the military in Northern Ireland, said:

"We were told by numerous people that only 40% of aid gets through if they are lucky.

"The outlying villages and towns get very little supplies through.

St Helens Star: Dean has been delivering humanitarian aid donated by the people of St HelensDean has been delivering humanitarian aid donated by the people of St Helens

"This will change with No Duff UK heading its 'Operation Sunflower' [where] medical supplies and other aid will be escorted to the villages and towns outside the cities."

To donate towards No Duff's fundraising efforts for Ukrainian supplies, visit this link

St Helens Star: Dean and Ric in UkraineDean and Ric in Ukraine