Two British volunteers who had been reported missing in eastern Ukraine were killed, according to a family statement released on Tuesday.
Andrew Bagshaw, 48, and Christopher Parry, 28, went missing earlier this month as they drove to the town of Soledar in the eastern Donetsk region where fierce fighting was raging.
Parry’s family confirmed in a statement from the British Foreign Office that both men were killed.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved Chrissy was killed along with his colleague Andrew Bagshaw while attempting a humanitarian evacuation from Soledar in eastern Ukraine,” it said.
Parry, from Truro in Cornwall, was described by his family in the statement.
“His selfless determination to help the old, young and disadvantaged there has made us and his extended family very proud.
“We never thought we’d say goodbye to Chris when he had such a fulfilling life ahead of him. He was a caring son, an amazing brother, a best friend to so many and a loving partner to Olga.”
The statement added that Parry “was drawn to Ukraine in March in the darkest hour of the beginning of the Russian invasion and helped those most in need, saving over 400 lives and many abandoned animals.”
Ukrainian police said on January 9 they lost contact with Bagshaw and Parry after they went to Soledar.
Bagshaw, a New Zealand resident, was in Ukraine to help deliver humanitarian aid, according to New Zealand media reports.
“He [and Parry]were trying to rescue an elderly woman from Soledar, in an area of intense military action, when her car was hit by an artillery shell,” Bagshaw’s family said.
“Andrew selflessly took many personal risks and saved many lives; we love him and are indeed very proud of what he has done.”