BRITISH MAN KILLED FIGHTING FOR RUSSIA IN UKRAINE

Bradley Townsend, a 33-year-old from Barnsley in South Yorkshire, has died fighting for Russia in Ukraine, according to reports. He is reported to be the first British national killed whilst fighting for Russian forces. Townsend died in a "storm operation" on 10 June, according to a Russia-linked social media account. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has confirmed it is aware of reports that a British national has died in Ukraine and remains in contact with his family.

Townsend travelled to Moscow in April this year, having previously worked as a fisherman. He met British pro-Russian fighters Aiden Minnis and Ben Stimson, who are thought to have recruited him online. In a video discussing the mission, Townsend stated: "I'm just a normal working class lad from Yorkshire. I came with the idea that I probably wouldn't be able to go home." He added that he understood the risks involved but said he had not been coerced into his decision. Those who knew him reported that he had previously struggled with addiction and suggested he may have been groomed online.

The UK Government's position remains one of support for Ukraine. The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia and has stated that its ability to provide consular support to British nationals in such circumstances is severely limited. Pro-Russian social media accounts have described Townsend by his callsign "Badger" and referred to him as having "sacrificed his life for the cause". His family were initially told he was travelling to Romania.