A man from Warrington who was one of two British volunteers captured in Ukraine has reportedly died, according to Russia state news site Tass.
The Mirror reports that Paul Urey, who was an aid worker, was being held hostage on accusations of being a spy since April this year. He was reportedly in captivity in the so-called Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).
Now Russia is claiming the 45-year-old died on Sunday, July 10 "due to illness and stress." His family also confirmed the death to Sky News, saying he passed away five days ago "due to sickness", according to information they had received from the Foreign Office.
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Paul Urey was charged with "mercenary activities" by investigators in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), recognised only by Russia and Syria, in eastern Ukraine before his death. He was captured by the Russian military along with fellow British national Dylan Healy, 22, in April.
Mr Urey was questioned about his motives for being in Ukraine on Russian TV while handcuffed. He explained he previously travelled to Iraq, and Afghanistan between 2008 and 2010, as well as to Libya to "help the revolution."
Mr Urey’s mother Linda saw the video and said: "This is physically my son, but he is not acting in his natural way; his words are too matter of fact and his facial expressions make me not believe what he is saying. Normally he speaks fast and to the point.
“I know my son like every mother, and this is not him being natural.”
Russia claims Urey had been suffering from diabetes and respiratory, kidney and cardiovascular issues but that they gave him "appropriate medical assistance." They added: "However, given the diagnoses and stress, he passed away."
Founder of Presidium Network, Dominik Byrne, said: "This is worrying news, however, this has not been verified by any authority yet and investigations are ongoing to determine the truth." Two further British captives in the DPR, Sean Pinner and Aiden Aslin, are currently appealing against a death sentence.
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