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🇫🇷 France /Conflict & Security

British man killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A 33-year-old British national, Bradley Townsend, reportedly died in eastern Ukraine in June while fighting for Russian forces.
  • Townsend, who had no prior military experience, is believed to be the first UK citizen to die after joining the Russian army.
  • He cited alleged Western "assassinations" and arms shipments as reasons for joining Russia, expressing awareness of the risks involved.

A 33-year-old British man, Bradley Townsend, is believed to have become the first UK citizen to die while fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Townsend, from northern England, reportedly died in June in the Donetsk region after joining the Russian armed forces.

I just saw assassinations committed by the West. We sent money, (Storm Shadow missiles). All of this built up.

— Bradley TownsendTownsend explained his motivations for joining the Russian forces in a YouTube video.

According to media reports, Townsend had no previous military experience. He left his home in Yorkshire shortly before traveling to Russia, where he signed a contract to fight. He was allegedly killed by a drone attack.

In a YouTube video posted in April, Townsend described himself as an "ordinary young man from the working class." He vaguely explained his decision to join Russia by referencing what he called "assassinations committed by the West" and the UK's supply of weapons like Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. He acknowledged the significant risks, stating, "I understand that this can happen."

I understand that this can happen.

— Bradley TownsendTownsend acknowledged the risks involved in fighting on the front lines.

The UK's Foreign Office confirmed it was aware of reports of a British national's death in Ukraine and was in contact with the family. The Russian Ministry of Defense had not immediately responded to requests for comment. Townsend's death was shared on social media by two other Britons, Aiden Minnis and Ben Stimson, who had also joined Russian forces, with Minnis describing Townsend's service as "brief but brilliant."

His service was brief but brilliant.

— Aiden MinnisAiden Minnis, another British fighter with Russian forces, commented on Townsend's death on social media.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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