Ukraine war: British pair killed trying ‘humanitarian evacuation’

British volunteers Chris Parry and Andrew Bagshaw who were reported missing in eastern Ukraine have been killed, the Parry family has said.

Mr Bagshaw, 48, and Mr Parry, 28, were last seen heading to the city of Soledar on 6 January.

Mr Parry’s family announced the men had been killed whilst “attempting a humanitarian evacuation” from the area.

Earlier this month, the Russian mercenary group Wagner claimed the body of one of the men had been found.

Soledar had been the focus of intense fighting. Earlier this month Russia’s military claimed to have captured the Ukrainian salt-mine time town after a long battle.

In the statement issued by the UK Foreign Office, Rob, Christine and Katy Parry wrote: “It is with great sadness we have to announce that our beloved Chrissy has been killed along with his colleague Andrew Bagshaw whilst attempting a humanitarian evacuation from Soledar, eastern Ukraine.”

Speaking of 28-year-old Mr Parry, originally from Truro in Cornwall, they said: “His selfless determination in helping the old, young and disadvantaged there has made us and his larger family extremely proud. We never imagined we would be saying goodbye to Chris when he had such a full life ahead of him. He was a caring son, fantastic brother, a best friend to so many and a loving partner to Olga.

“Chris was a confident, outward looking and adventurous young man who was loyal to everyone he knew. He lived and worked away as a software engineer but Cornwall was always his home. He loved rock climbing, cycling, running and skydiving and wanted to travel the world.

“He found himself drawn to Ukraine in March in its darkest hour at the start of the Russian invasion and helped those most in need, saving over 400 lives plus many abandoned animals.

“It is impossible to put into words how much he will be missed but he will forever be in our hearts.

“We feel so privileged that he chose our family to be part of.”

Mr Parry and Mr Bagshaw had been in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine doing voluntary work.

Mr Bagshaw’s parents, who live in New Zealand, previously said the men had been delivering food and medicines and helping the elderly.

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