British men killed in Ukraine during rescue attempt
Two British men – Chris Parry and Andrew Bagshaw, who were reported missing in eastern Ukraine, have been killed, their families have said.
The men were last seen heading to the city of Soledar on 6 January.
Mr Bagshaw’s family said the pair were attempting to rescue an elderly woman when their cares were hit by a shell.
The family of Mr Parry said the men had died while “attempting a humanitarian evacuation.”
Families pay tribute
In a 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 Mr Parry, 28, 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 Bagshaw, 47, was a British scientific researcher who was living in New Zealand but had been volunteering in Ukraine since April.
His parents said the men had been delivering food and medicines and helping the elderly.
In a statement released via news outlets, they said Mr Parry and Mr Bagshaw “were attempting to rescue an elderly woman from Soledar, in an area of intense military action, when their car was hit by an artillery shell.
“Andrew selflessly took many personal risks and saved many lives; we love him and are very proud indeed of what he did.”
They added: “The world needs to be strong and stand with Ukraine, giving them the military support they need now, and help to rebuild their shattered country after the war.”
The Foreign Office warns British nationals not to travel to Ukraine, saying there is “a real risk to life.”
