Bradley Townsend was killed on June 10 in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.
The BBC reported that Townsend’s death is believed to be the first of a British citizen fighting for Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Townsend had travelled to Moscow in April and signed a contract to fight for the Russian military, according to reports.
He had reportedly told his family he was travelling to Romania. Minnis later announced Townsend’s death on social media, using his callsign “Badger”. A Russia-linked account described him as a “warrior in a holy war” who had sacrificed his life for the cause. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said it was aware of reports that a British national had died in Ukraine and was in contact with his family.
It also warned that its ability to provide consular assistance in such circumstances was severely limited. Townsend’s death comes amid continued heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have relied heavily on drone attacks and infantry assaults along the frontline.