Ukrainian World War Two veterans are using their experience fighting Adolf Hitler’s Nazi army to advise soldiers currently battling Vladimir Putin’s invading forces. On the 80th anniversary of the Allies’ victory over Germany countries around the world have been honouring the fallen but in Kyiv the knowledge of those who are still alive is being put to very practical use.

The head of the Association for Ukrainian Veterans, Mamatov Leoidovych, told the Express that his members are actively engaged in defending Ukraine. “Our members remembered fighting positions from the time they were defending the country against the Nazis,” he said. “They used their map-reading skills to point out geo-locations on mobile phones and those insights were passed to current soldiers.

“They have also been helping injured fighters from the front line deal with the psychological impact of war.

“In the hospitals where our seriously injured boys who have been evacuated from Kharkiv or Dnipro are brought, we have a room where they meet with veterans. They know what they are going through and can help deal with that mental toll.”

Leoidovych added that former World War Two soldiers are operating 3D printers manufacturing drone components, while female veterans are knitting camouflage nets and socks for the Ukrainian army.

A veteran of the conflict in Crimea himself, Leoidovych grows emotional when he discusses the way in which the older generation have been robbed of annual commemorations because of Vladimir Putin’s vicious invasion.

Regular visits to the graves of the fallen have been cancelled because of the dangers posed by the war.

Meanwhile, in Moscow, preparations are under way for a massive parade in Red Square, which will be attended by a raft of world leaders.

Leoidovych believes the callous double standards are by this stage to be expected from Vladimir Putin.

“They break all the rules of warfare,” he added. “Who is using chemical weaponry? Who is killing many civllians and children? Russia.”

At this desperate hour, Leoidovych said the Ukrainian people were taking inspiration from the British and their fortitude when the Blitz rained hellfire on London.

“I think that British people understand us since they have gone through the same experience in World War Two when London was bombarded,” he added.

His words echoed those of Volodoymir Overko, 99, who told the Express of his admiration for Winston Churchill while issuing a warning about Russian aggression.

“I want to tell the British people - thank you and beware because Russia is a great danger to Europe. Although Britain understands this more than most other countries,” he said.

“I think of the UK as particularly special because it supports Ukraine with such strength. Please do not give up this support because it’s going to get much worse.”