“We must all be prepared to see some truly awful things to come in Ukraine and must not let our emotions get the better of us,” he said.
“There are significantly worse things to come, but we must stay the course and keep stout hearts and clear heads.”
Pictured: War in Europe seemed unthinkable to Colin Vaudin when he retired from actively military service nearly nine years ago.
Mr Vaudin said the cause of the war was no longer relevant.
“Events in Ukraine are tragic and the war is illegal. Why and how we got here doesn’t really matter anymore,” he said.
“What matters now is what we do next and how we do it – they are the most important things.”
Mr Vaudin said that he had not expected to see an invasion of a democratic country in Europe.
“My first position in the army 30 years ago was in Germany facing what was then called the Warsaw Pact at the end of the Cold War.
“I truthfully thought that, despite the other challenges we might face…full-scale war in Europe could not happen again.
“I regret that it seems I was wrong. We now have a full-scale invasion of a democratic country and NATO, including British troops, deploying to what could be the next front line.”
Pictured: Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine on 24 February after years of deteriorating relations between the two former Soviet republics.
Mr Vaudin said it was essential for NATO not to intervene directly in Ukraine.
“I pray that NATO does not intervene. I completely understand why people want NATO to help and to do more, but the risk of uncontrollable escalation across Europe is too terrifying to comprehend.
“NATO must do what it has always done for the past 50 years and remain steadfast as a deterrent to aggressive expansion across Europe.
“If Putin thinks that he has an opportunity to enter NATO then he will. We desperately need NATO to remain as a deterrent.”
Pictured: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for help to fight Russia’s invasion of his country.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed for the West to help his country repel Russian forces. Some civilians, including from the UK, have travelled there to join the fighting.
“I can understand the motivation for people who have travelled or are contemplating travelling to Ukraine and taking up arms, but I believe their actions are misplaced,” said Mr Vaudin.
“The best way to position ourselves is to stand behind NATO. If you want to fight, then join the army.”
Mr Vaudin said there are other ways in which people can help.
“There are much better ways to help Ukraine from here – raise funds for medical supplies, raise funds for food, support the economic sanctions,” he said.
Pictured: Mr Vaudin praised the economic sanctions placed on Russia
“While the sanctions will hurt us, they will hurt [Russia’s President Vladimir] Putin more.
“The only way he will be brought back to the negotiating table is through the continued sanctions.
“These sanctions will impact people everywhere, including in Guernsey, and particularly for lower income households.
“We must remain strong and remember that all of us can play a part by doing something for the greater good.”
Pictured: Around 200 people gathered for a candlelit vigil held in Guernsey last weekend, initially around the Town Church before they walked to the Liberation Monument.
Mr Vaudin attended a vigil held last weekend in support of the people of Ukraine.
“At the vigil, I prayed for peace but equally detected a determination to defeat this new aggression, whatever the cost may be.
“I now have a son the same age as I was 30 years ago. I don’t want war to become his life as it was, by choice, mine.
“The outpouring of support at the vigil and shown by the States have been really moving and show that people do care and there is a desire to do something.
“While we may think Putin’s actions are morally abhorrent, we must continue to deal with the devil on the other end of this and stay the course.”