Yorkshire Man Believed First Briton Killed Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Bradley Townsend, a 33-year-old former fisherman from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, is believed to have become the first British citizen killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine. He reportedly died in a drone strike on 10 June in the Donetsk region after leaving the UK in April and joining Russian-backed separatist forces.

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Yorkshire 'lad' believed to be first Briton to die fighting for Russia

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Bradley Townsend left South Yorkshire in April, telling his family he was going to Romania.

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Sky Published 24 August 2026

Yorkshire 'lad' believed to be first Briton to die fighting for Russia

Guardian Published 25 August 2026

Yorkshireman believed to be first Briton to die fighting for Russia against Ukraine

Bradley Townsend reportedly killed by a drone on 10 June in Donetsk region after joining up with separatists Europe live – latest updates A man from Yorkshire is believed to be the first British citizen to die fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine. Bradley Townsend, a 33-year-old fisher from Barnsley, left Britain in April to join up with Russian separatists in eastern Donbas to aid in their invasion of Ukr…

BBC Published 24 August 2026

Briton fighting for Russia killed in Ukraine

Bradley Townsend left South Yorkshire in April, telling his family he was going to Romania.

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