British national dies in Ukraine, Foreign Office says

A British national has died in Ukraine, the government has said.

A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British national who died in Ukraine, and are in contact with the local authorities.”

The government has not provided more information on the circumstances of the death.

The identity of the individual is not yet known.

They are believed to be the eighth British national to have died in Ukraine since the war began.

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Since the war began in February last year, numerous individuals have travelled from the UK – with some taking part in fighting against Russian forces while others engage in volunteering and aid work.

The government continues to advise against all travel to Ukraine, amid the ongoing invasion by Russia.

It comes less than a month after British nationals Chris Parry, 28, and Andrew Bagshaw, 47, were killed while attempting a “humanitarian evacuation” from the Ukrainian town of Soledar, according to a family statement.

A statement issued by Mr Bagshaw’s family said the pair’s car was hit by an artillery shell while they were attempting to rescue an elderly woman.

A statement issued on behalf of Mr Parry’s family said: “His selfless determination in helping the old, young and disadvantaged there has made us and his larger family extremely proud.”

Simon Lingard was killed in Ukraine last November, while in June ex-British soldier Jordan Gatley was shot dead in the city of Severodonetsk in eastern Ukraine.

Scott Sibley, from Lincolnshire, died in southern Ukraine in April after a drone dropped mortars on his regiment.

Craig Mackintosh, from Norfolk, was killed while volunteering as a medic in Ukraine in August.

Paul Urey, a British aid worker, died last July while being detained by Russian-backed separatists.

Earlier on Tuesday, it was announced that a national one-minute silence will be held across the UK to mark the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine on Friday 24 February.

Rishi Sunak is expected to lead the tribute to the “bravery and resilience” of the Ukrainian people which will be held at 11am.

In a statement, the prime minister said: “Russia’s unjustifiable attack brought war and destruction to our continent once again, and it has forced millions from their homes and devastated families across Ukraine and Russia.

“I am incredibly proud of the UK’s response, and throughout this past year, the UK public have shown their true generosity of spirit and their enduring belief in freedom.”