Charity offers counselling to Irish soldiers who have endured the ‘horror’ of war in Ukraine

A Ukrainian soldier loading a shell to fire at Russian army positions near Kharkiv, Ukraine. The Organisation for National Ex-Service Personnel / Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann (ONE) is helping former Defence Forces personnel deal with disorders including post-traumatic stress. Picture: Anatolii Lysianskyi/AP

Seven former members of the Defence Forces who have returned from fighting in Ukraine are undergoing counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for the “horrors” they experienced.

The charity One (Organisation for National Ex-Service Personnel) has confirmed its staff is providing support services to the soldiers who witnessed “appalling stuff” while battling Russian forces on and near Ukraine’s frontlines.

The seven are all men ranging in age from mid-20s to late 40s. However, the charity said it is aware of more veterans who have returned from Ukraine but have not yet sought its help.

The charity is aware of other former members still in Ukraine, while the Irish Examiner understands one Irish woman is also helping Ukraine’s troops, though she is not a former Defence Forces member.

One of the seven who has received PTSD counselling from ONE told the Irish Examiner he is considering returning to the frontline.

Peter (not his real name), who is in his 30s and from the south of the country, told the Irish Examiner: “To say I saw appalling stuff is an understatement. It got gradually worse as the war went on as there was heavier and heavier combat. Quite a few of my friends died.”

Despite the horrors, he said he is considering going back to fight again.

Audra Larkin, a veteran support officer with One, is providing counselling to three ex-Defence Forces veterans who fought in Ukraine.

She said the desire to return is not uncommon, as those who return to Ireland feel “guilty for leaving” their Ukrainian comrades. Ms Larkin said: 

They have said they would all go back tomorrow — they are all open about this. 

“We outline the risks and possible consequences of doing this, but there is an overwhelming camaraderie.”

One of the veterans Ms Larkin was helping to cope with PTSD — who is aged in his 20s — returned to Ukraine in January.

“He felt a deep commitment to his comrades. This person felt guilty not being with them,” said Ms Larkin.

So far, five Irish people have died fighting in Ukraine, including Robert Deegan, a former member of the elite Army Ranger Wing, since Russian troops invaded the country in February 2022.

Meanwhile, a large-scale exchange of prisoners and bodies of the dead due to occur on Monday now seems to be in doubt after each side accused the other of breaking the terms of the agreement.