'I want to go back and finish the fight and see Ukraine free'

Amid reports of the horrors being experienced by Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline, and fears that the suspension of US aid will hinder efforts, one soldier who is recovering with the support of a Cork charity talks to Sarah Horgan

From left: Maxim Martynenko and Arthem Ruden, who are both patients at Rert Rehabilitation Military Hospital in Kyiv, with Fiona Corcoran who heads the Greater Chernobyl Cause in Cork.

Ukrainian soldier Maxim Martynenko recalls the horrific day he begged his comrade to use him as a human shield after being paralysed by a Russian machine gun.

He does so in a chillingly matter of fact way while speaking to the Irish Examiner during a visit by Cork humanitarian Fiona Corcoran.