An Australian man serving with the Ukrainian International Legion is alleging that Australians, Ukrainians and other volunteers are being put in danger and threatened with repercussions for speaking out by some incompetent Ukrainian commanders.

The former Australian soldier, who is serving with the GUR legion — the military intelligence component of the Ukrainian International Legion — has spoken in an exclusive interview with The World Today on ABC Radio.

The ABC has agreed to refer to him by the call sign “Bush” to protect his identity.

In the interview, Bush alleged some foreigners and Ukrainians have been put in danger in the war against the Russian invasion due to the leadership incompetence of some Ukrainian commanders, while others have been threatened with jail for trying to leave.

Bush said he and his comrades in Ukraine’s International Legion have been raising concerns about the situation and have proposed ways to improve accountability, but that their suggestions have been ignored.

“The simple fact is that it is a meat grinder out there,” the man told The World Today.

“My mates have died, and are dying.”

“I’ve seen things out here that, from a military perspective, are beyond unacceptable and are unfortunately hurting Ukraine.”

He also said some foreign fighters have not been paid at all for their service, and said that some Australians with specialist military skills, including those qualified to drive the Bushmaster armoured vehicles donated by Australia to Ukraine for the war effort, have not been fully utilised.

Asked by The World Today whether he feared for his safety in speaking out, the man replied: “Absolutely, 100 per cent.”

more at abc.net.au