Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago were today advised against getting involved in the Russia-Ukraine war, after a report in the Trinidad Guardian newspaper stated that an opposition activist and business development consultant indicated a desire join thousands of foreign volunteers seeking to engage in combat in Ukraine.

Addressing a news conference, Dr Amery Browne, CARICOM and foreign affairs minister, said while he would not want to say “too much on this topic, I certainly will not be saying anything to encourage that type of potential grandstanding”.

Browne said all he could do was sound a note of caution “for the good sense, the welfare and the physical wellbeing of all our nationals and encourage persons not to take bad examples from those who might wish to be reckless, who might want to be on some sort of populist agenda which could put themselves and even our national reputation in jeopardy”.

According to the newspaper, United National Congress activist Brian Stone is among volunteers prepared to fight side by side-by-side with Ukrainians as they seek to push back the invading forces of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Guardian said Stone would be Trinidad’s first volunteer to fight on Ukraine’s frontline if he makes good on his decision of the heart.

Stone has previously served in the Canadian armed forces reserves.

“I understand very clearly the risks. I am not stupid. If Russian soldiers show up there we will have to fight. I am prepared to do so,” said Stone.

“The only thing I am fearful of is if shots are fired, there are explosions or should a bomb drop. I hope I can handle it. I have already signed over a number of things to my wife.”

He added: “My wife is not happy at all… even a soldier would be lying if they say they are not afraid. I fear the unseen. There is no way I can cover from an explosion. I am worried about that. If it turns to mostly a guerilla warfare… well, it is over for people like me. I will have to leave. To stay you will get killed.”