The UK’s Foreign Office summoned Russian ambassador Andrey Kelin on Friday following reports that a British aid volunteer died in detention.
Paul Urey, 45, died due to illnesses and stress, according to Daria Morozova, the Ombudsman of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR)—a Russian-backed separatist region in Ukraine that’s recognised by Russia, Syria, and North Korea.
Urey was captured in April while trying to help evacuate a woman and two children. He was detained by the DPR and accused of being a mercenary—a crime punishable by death under the regime’s law.
In a statement issued following the reports, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “I am shocked to hear reports of the death of British aid worker Paul Urey while in the custody of a Russian proxy in Ukraine. Russia must bear the [sic] full responsibility for this.
“Paul Urey was captured while undertaking humanitarian work. He was in Ukraine to try and help the Ukrainian people in the face of the unprovoked Russian invasion. The Russian government and its proxies are continuing to commit atrocities. Those responsible will be held to account,” she said.
Truss added her thoughts are with Urey’s family and friends “at this horrendous time.”
Sir Tim Barrow, Second Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office, is expected to urge Russia to clarify Urey’s status.
Barrow will demand Russia meet all its obligations under International Humanitarian Law, including by respecting and protecting all civilians.
He’s also expected to clarify that the UK does not recognise the DPR, the self-styled Luhansk People’s Republic, and other non-government controlled areas of Ukraine as independent states, and therefore holds Russia responsible for the safety and welfare of civilians in these regions.
In April, British charity Presidium Network, which helps to get aid into Kyiv, said it was in contact with Urey and another British volunteer, 22-year-old Dylan Healy, who went to Ukraine on their own accord.
The charity said the pair were captured on April 25 at a checkpoint in Zaporizhzhia, southern Ukraine, when they were trying to help evacuate a woman and two children.
It also said Urey didn’t qualify for the army because he is a “family man with children.”
But Morozova accused Urey of being a “professional soldier,” claiming he had led military operations, recruited and trained mercenaries for Ukrainian troops, and fought in other conflicts.
According to TASS, Morozova said Urey was detained in a local penal facility, and was diagnosed with several chronic illnesses including type 1 diabetes, respiratory system and kidney disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
Morozova also said Urey was depressed “due to indifference to his fate in his homeland.”
She accused British officials of not responding to Urey’s capture and not providing “the necessary medical supplies through the ICRC [International Committee of the Red Cross].
