A 33-year-old British man from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, has been killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, reportedly becoming the first UK national to die while serving on Moscow’s side in the conflict.
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According to the BBC, Bradley Townsend was killed on June 10 in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region after a remote-controlled FPV drone attack during what was described as a “storm operation”.
Townsend had travelled to Moscow in April and signed a contract to fight for the Russian military, according to reports. He had reportedly told his family he was travelling to Romania.
The British fisherman was recruited online by pro-Russian fighters Aiden Minnis and Ben Stimson, who are believed to have been fighting for Russia in the occupied Donbas region.
In a video shared online in April, Townsend described himself as a “normal working-class lad from Yorkshire” and spoke about his decision to fight for Russia.
“I came with the idea that I probably wouldn’t be able to go home,” he said, adding that he understood what could happen to him.
Minnis later announced Townsend’s death on social media, using his callsign “Badger”. A Russia-linked account described him as a “warrior in a holy war” who had sacrificed his life for the cause.
The BBC reported that Townsend’s death is believed to be the first of a British citizen fighting for Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said it was aware of reports that a British national had died in Ukraine and was in contact with his family. It also warned that its ability to provide consular assistance in such circumstances was severely limited.
British nationals have previously died while fighting in the Ukraine war, but they were fighting on Ukraine’s side. Townsend is believed to be the first Briton killed while fighting for Russia.
The UK government advises against all travel to Russia and warns that travelling to Ukraine to fight or assist those engaged in the conflict could constitute an offence under British law, potentially leading to prosecution on return.
Townsend’s death comes amid continued heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have relied heavily on drone attacks and infantry assaults along the frontline.
