A Helensburgh man who fled Ukraine with his family when the war started is now moving them back to Scotland.
Stuart McKenzie is heading to Kyiv to put the family home on the market as they try to offer their children a more stable schooling environment in Edinburgh.
The dad-of-three said he remains committed to Ukraine, but after more than 500 days since Russia invaded and the family fled to live in Poland, it was time for something more stable.
The 53-year-old has been busy raising funds in the past year to support the war effort as well as helping refugees displaced by the conflict.
Stuart’s eldest son, Robert, is 16, with two more years of school ahead, so the family made a decision to opt for more stability in Scotland.
READ MORE: Helensburgh dad Stuart McKenzie returns for Ukraine fundraising effort
“I wanted the kids to grow up for some time in the UK and hopefully go to university in the UK," Stuart told the Advertiser.
“I have 30 years of my life invested in Kyiv.
“I still have business plans and stuff I want to do in Kyiv. But the question we have been asking ourselves is when is it going to be over?
“We cannot stay treading water. You have to make plans and the kids take priority on that.”
Stuart has three children - Robert, 16, Stuart, 14, and daughter Victoria, 21, who currently lives in Miami.
Stuart says he is working with an artist in Miami who sells works for millions of dollars to do a painting of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to raise funds for the war effort.
READ MORE: Helensburgh man reflects on year of Ukrainian war 'nightmare'
And in September he plans to take a trailer through the major cities of Europe, loaded with destroyed vehicles, “to show the horrors” of the war.
He told the Advertiser: “We would all like the war to be over tomorrow. I don’t want to seem like I’m telling up and leaving and not believing in Ukraine’s future. It’s not that.
“My sons are at an important age. I don’t want Putin to sacrifice their future.
“We have something to build around now.
“We have been told so many stories about when it will be over.”
Stuart set up Jeeps for Peace and Pickups for Peace - projects to raise funds to get vehicles and other essential items to Ukraine.
Volunteers drive the vehicles to be used, taking relief supplies to residents or even to be converted for use by the military.
Jeeps for Peace recently delivered their 100th vehicle, and together with Pickups for Peace, they will deliver their 200th next month.
Stuart wrote last week on Facebook about the latest convoy of vehicles to reach Ukraine.
He said: "One of the most extraordinary weeks of my life. It will live with me forever.
"It was a privilege to be part of your team - a group of amazing people doing an amazing thing to help the people of Ukraine.
"Huge shout out to Stewart, Vasyl and the rest of the team for making this happen. No one could have done it better. Thanks. Good luck to you all."
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