I went on holiday to war-torn UKRAINE… I was told it was a crazy but I had a fab time posing with tanks, says Brit nurse

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A BRIT tourist has revealed the reason why an active warzone was his ultimate dream holiday destination.

Mark Dabbs, 49, from Walsall, UK, took a trip to war-torn Kyiv, Ukraine, despite the country’s ongoing war with Russia.

Mark Dabbs visited Kyiv, Ukraine, on his holidayCredit: Caters

Despite the country's ongoing war with Russia, Mark said he enjoyed his trip — Despite the country’s ongoing war with Russia, Mark said he enjoyed his tripCredit: Caters

He visited historic landmarks as well as a genocide museum and a poet's grave — He visited historic landmarks as well as a genocide museum and a poet’s graveCredit: Caters

But the holidaymaker surprisingly revealed he had a great time posing at the city’s historic locations – as well as next to tanks and military vehicles.

Mark was helped on his journey by a “contact in Kyiv” who told him what buildings were safe to visit.

He also sought advice from taxi drivers and various other civilians who he described as “informative.”

Mark, who works as a nurse, said: “I had been told it was a crazy idea. I felt it wasn’t dangerous. Ukraine is such a huge country, and I had an amazing time.

“I stayed with a lovely couple who gave me some potatoes and vegetables and offered me some vodka the first night I was there, but I had to decline, having given up alcohol in 2007”.

The adventurous Brit revealed he stayed near the Kyiv Tower which gave him plenty of time to do a short lap of the area where he luckily found no signs of any war activity.

“There were just a few buildings that looked like they may have been destroyed, although there was construction equipment there so they could have just been building,” he said.

Mark explained that the Kyiv Tower appeared as if had been recently restored as there was no observable damage.

While on his trip, the traveller also visited the cathedral, a genocide museum, and the cemetery of Lesya Ukrainka – a national poet of Ukraine.

“A lot of the information boards about strategic buildings had been painted over – probably to confuse Russian troops should they have reached Kyiv. It did not help me find places!” he added.

“All too soon trip was over.”

However, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all travel to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

“FCDO continues to advise British nationals against all travel to Ukraine. This is because the risks are too high,” they wrote.

With attacks frequently taking place in major Ukrainian cities, and several towns and cities in southern and eastern Ukraine temporarily under Russian control, the FCDO says “There is a real risk to life”.

If Brits are currently in Ukraine, they are advised to leave if safe to do so.

Mark’s holiday comes after businesses around Gyllyngvase Beach and nearby Swanpool Beach in Falmouth, Cornwall, said their picturesque town had been turned into a “war zone” with tourists too scared to visit.

Swanpool Beach Cafe was almost set on fire when a disposable barbecue was left in a wooden bin.