Russian military contractor claims to have found body of missing British aid worker in Ukraine
One of two British aid workers missing in Ukraine has been found dead, according to claims from Russian military contractor the Wagner Group.
The notorious mercenary organisation referred to Andrew Bagshaw and Christopher Parry in a Telegram post and said a body had been found, though this has yet to be confirmed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The private military company, which did not confirm which man’s body had been found, posted pictures of both of their passports.
The post said: “On January 8, the Ask Wagner hotline received a request to find two British citizens who disappeared on January 6 in Soledar – Andrew Bagshaw and Christopher Parry.
“Today the body of one of them was found, documents on both Britons were found with him.”
Downing Street said the report is “deeply concerning” but should be treated with caution until there is proper verification.
“They have been reported by the Wagner Group as the source of that so I would urge caution in reporting that until any such claims are verified,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.
Ukrainian national police said voluntary worker Mr Parry, 28, went missing on Friday with fellow Briton Mr Bagshaw, 48, while travelling to Soledar in eastern Donetsk, where heavy fighting has been reported.
The family of Mr Parry has previously spoken of their pride in his work but expressed concern for his health and whereabouts.
And the parents of Mr Bagshaw, Philip and Susan, previously confirmed their son had been reported missing in Ukraine and were said to be “very grateful for all the agencies from both London and New Zealand who are working so hard to find him”.
A spokeswoman for the couple said they were “immensely proud” of his work delivering food and medicines and assisting elderly people to move from near the front line.
The Foreign Office said on Wednesday night: “We are supporting the families of two British men who have gone missing in Ukraine.
“We are aware of recent reports and are in touch with the Ukrainian authorities.”
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