Briton Bradley Townsend killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Bradley Townsend, a British national, has been killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, marking a rare instance of a UK citizen dying in this capacity. The news coincides with a visit to Kyiv by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Why it matters
The involvement of foreign nationals in the Russia-Ukraine conflict highlights the international dimensions of the war and the risks faced by volunteers.
Image source, OTHER Image caption, Bradley Townsend left South Yorkshire in April, reportedly telling his family he was going to Romania
A British national has been killed in Ukraine while fighting for Russia.
Bradley Townsend is said to have died following an attack by a remote-controlled FPV drone in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. His death, on 10 June, is believed to be the first of a British citizen fighting for Russia in the conflict.
The 33-year-old left his home in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, earlier this year after telling his family he was going to Romania, according to the Yorkshire Post , external .
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it was aware of reports a British national had died in Ukraine, adding it was in contact with his family.
The news emerged as Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv for his first foreign trip as UK prime minister.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in