A British volunteer operating a drone factory in Ukraine has insisted that the country must continue its resistance against Russia, despite ongoing international peace negotiations.
Richard Woodruff, 31, from East Sussex, has been based in Lviv, western Ukraine, since June 2022. He initially arrived as a humanitarian volunteer, but over time, he has become a key figure in Ukraine’s war effort—leading a drone production facility responsible for millions of pounds worth of damage to Russian military assets.
From humanitarian aid to military support
Woodruff, a former publisher, was deeply affected by reports of atrocities in Bucha, where Russian forces were accused of committing war crimes. Motivated by the suffering he witnessed, he first dedicated himself to delivering humanitarian aid to frontline communities that had been cut off due to the Russian invasion.
However, over the past year, his work has shifted to the battlefield. Woodruff now runs Ukraine’s largest volunteer-led drone factory, which he claims has destroyed over $100 million (£79 million) worth of Russian military equipment.
Ongoing peace talks and Trump’s controversial remarks
The US and Russia have engaged in talks this week to explore ways to bring the war in Ukraine to an end. However, tensions have escalated following remarks by US President Donald Trump, who referred to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator”.
Trump’s comments came in response to Zelensky accusing him of falling for Russian disinformation.
Despite the political discussions at the highest levels, Woodruff remains unwavering in his commitment to Ukraine’s cause. Speaking from Lviv to the PA news agency, he emphasised the need to continue the fight:
“Regardless of what the politicians decide, we have to keep fighting.”
He also noted that most Ukrainians he works with are largely unconcerned with the political negotiations taking place abroad.
“They have more important things to worry about than what Trump is doing.”
Sir Keir Starmer calls for a ‘backstop’
Earlier this week, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged the United States to provide a “backstop” to any potential settlement between Kyiv and Moscow. He also suggested that Britain may deploy peacekeeping troops to help stabilise the situation if necessary.
While Woodruff welcomed Starmer’s proposal, he argued that the UK government needs to do more to help Ukraine win the war outright.
“We’re slowly being bled out, rather than actually being given anything that could contribute to us winning the war,” he said.
“The war is going to spread throughout Europe unless something is actually done.”
Ukraine’s crowdfunded drone effort
Woodruff and his team of 25 volunteers have spent the last year manufacturing Kamikaze First-Person View (FPV) drones—small, explosive-laden aircraft used for precise strikes on Russian military assets.
Unlike state-funded military projects, these drones are entirely crowdfunded, relying on donations from individuals and groups across the world.
“We’ve produced thousands of crowdfunded drones for the military… but we would like government funding to support our work,” Woodruff explained.
He added that his organisation is now actively seeking direct contracts with NGOs and military units to ensure a more stable supply of resources.
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“The government should really be paying for it.”
Beyond drone production, Woodruff’s organisation—Angel of Life—also provides humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and vehicles for frontline units.
‘There are brits fighting every day’
After almost three years in a warzone, Woodruff has become accustomed to the constant threat of air raids and missile attacks. He has no intention of leaving Ukraine, even after the conflict ends.
“The volunteer network out here is incredible, and the support from people on the ground has been fantastic,” he said.
He also wants the British public to recognise the sacrifices being made by foreign volunteers:
“People need to understand that there are foreigners, there are Brits fighting on the ground every day to make sure that we win this war.”
UK defence secretary: No distractions from Ukraine
During a visit to Nato’s front line in Norway, UK Defence Secretary John Healey warned that diplomatic efforts should not distract from military support for Ukraine.
“The UK will spend £4.5 billion on military aid for Ukraine this year, more than ever before,” Healey confirmed.
He also announced an additional £150 million in military support, including drones, tanks, and air-to-air missiles.
“More broadly, this Government continues to step up our leadership on Ukraine and in Nato,” Healey added.
“The UK offers unique capabilities to the Nato alliance: forward land forces, fifth-generation fighter jets, our nuclear deterrence – our UK commitment to Nato is unshakable.”
The battle continues
Despite ongoing diplomatic discussions, there is no clear end in sight for the war in Ukraine. For Richard Woodruff and his fellow volunteers in Lviv, the focus remains on the battlefield—and ensuring that Ukraine has the weapons it needs to keep fighting.
