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Russian NHS doctor rows across Atlantic for Ukraine

Leo Krivskiy Dr Leo Krivskiy takes a selfie on his boat. He is topless, has a bushy grey beard, and his skin is pink from the sun.Leo Krivskiy
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.

Leo Krivskiy Dr Krivskiy in the middle of the ocean. He has no top on, a blue harness is over his shoulders, and he's wearing a white baseball cap. He is on his boat, Ukraine and Union Jack flags visible. He is taking a selfie.Leo Krivskiy
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."

Leo Krivskiy Dr Krivskiy wears a red coat in a large red and yellow rowing boat. He is holding the oars and looking to his left as he moves through the water.Leo Krivskiy
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.

Leo Krivskiy Dr Krivskiy is in NHS blue scrubs and a hair net. He is wearing glasses and medical equipment screens are behind him. He is clean shaven.Leo Krivskiy
Dr Krivskiy works as a consultant anaesthetist at the University Hospital Southampton

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