Russian NHS doctor rows across Atlantic for Ukraine

Moscow-born Leo Krivskiy rowed solo across the Atlantic

A Russian NHS doctor has rowed 2,630 nautical miles solo across the Atlantic to raise money for medics in Ukraine.

Moscow-born Leo Krivskiy completed his epic voyage in a 6m (20ft) ocean rowing boat called Happy Socks, after setting off from Gran Canaria in Spain on Boxing Day.

He arrived in Barbados on Wednesday, having raised more than £40,000, with the thinner, bearded doctor seen embracing his wife and children after more than three months apart.

Dr Krivskiy works as a consultant anaesthetist at University Hospital Southampton.

The doctor has been raising the funds in an ocean rowing boat called Happy Socks

Afterwards, in a message to Ukrainians, he said: "I dedicate my little victory to you, a victory over myself, my little demons of self-doubt, self-pity and despair.

"In spite of nearly quitting twice, I have kept on going, leaving all my failures behind and getting back on the oars every day.

"Please do not give up, please keep on getting up after being knocked out and carry on fighting."

Dr Krivskiy set off on the solo row from Gran Canaria on Boxing Day

Mr Krivskiy's challenge was sparked by personal ties as his mother and wife are Ukrainian.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, he said his wife's parents were in Kyiv and he was "horrified" to see it under attack.

He started volunteering, making contacts, and driving medical equipment over to Ukraine, eventually setting up his charity Ukrops.

Dr Krivskiy works as a consultant anaesthetist at the University Hospital Southampton