British mechanic tells GB News he's driving to Kyiv in bid to rescue 200 orphans from Ukraine war zone

Mechanic and bus driver Arthur Smith will be driving to Ukraine to rescue 200 orphans from Kyiv tomorrow, he tells GB News.

Driving a coach, Kent-based Mr Smith will have onboard medical equipment such as incubators, drips and bandages as well as former army medics and NHS staff who will help upon arrival.

Mr Smith, who is in his early twenties, told GB News Breakfast with Eammon and Isabel how his humanitarian mission came to fruition.

He said: “I was listening to Boris Johnson's speech and I just thought this isn't enough. Someone needs to do something properly.”

Admiring his eagerness to take action, presenter Eamonn Holmes told Mr Smith: “You are an amazing guy, Arthur Smith. Very ordinary name, very extraordinary ambitions and dreams here.”

Eamonn furthered his applause, adding that what was particularly impressive about the young man, was his refusal to make excuses.

Mr Smith is running a business alongside his humanitarian work.

In the interview, Mr Smith continued to emphasise that he didn’t believe the UK is doing enough to support Ukraine.

He said: “I saw what should be happening and what isn’t happening and realised how close they really are."

Undaunted by the 25-hour drive, he added: "The drive isn’t that long… if you’ve got two drivers you can get there pretty quick.”

Mr Smith’s mission to rescue the orphans come as the The French Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, accused the UK of "lacking humanity" in its efforts to accept Ukraine refugees.

It is reported by the UN that more than 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine into bordering countries since the invasion began.