Seven former members of the Defence Forces who have returned from fighting in Ukraine are receiving counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the “horrors” they witnessed.
The charity One (Organisation for National Ex-Service Personnel) has confirmed it is providing support services to these veterans, who experienced “appalling stuff” while battling Russian forces on and near the Ukrainian frontlines.
The seven men range in age from their mid-20s to late 40s. The charity stated it is aware of additional veterans who have returned from Ukraine but have not yet sought assistance.
One is also aware that other former Defence Forces members remain in Ukraine. The understands one Irish woman, not a former Defence Forces member, is also assisting Ukrainian troops.
One of the seven veterans receiving PTSD counselling from ONE told the he is contemplating returning to the frontline.
Peter (not his real name), a man in his 30s from the south of Ireland, told the : “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 traumatic experiences, he is considering returning to fight.
Audra Larkin, a veteran support officer with One, is providing counselling to three ex-Defence Forces veterans who fought in Ukraine.
She indicated that the desire to return is not unusual, as those who return to Ireland often feel “guilty for leaving” their Ukrainian comrades. Ms. Larkin said:
“We outline the risks and possible consequences of doing this, but there is an overwhelming camaraderie.”
One of the veterans Ms. Larkin was assisting with PTSD, a man 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.
To date, five Irish citizens have died fighting in Ukraine, including Robert Deegan, a former member of the elite Army Ranger Wing, since the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Meanwhile, a large-scale exchange of prisoners and bodies of the dead, scheduled for Monday, is now uncertain, as both sides accuse the other of breaching the terms of the agreement.
