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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Ryan Fahey

Bodies of two Brits killed in Ukraine coming home as part of Russian soldier swap

The bodies of two Brits killed in Ukraine are being returned as part of a prisoner swap for Russian soldiers.

Hero British volunteers Chris Parry, 28, and colleague Andrew Bagshaw, 47, were confirmed dead last month as they performed a rescue in an area of intense military action in Ukraine.

The remains of the two men were handed over with 116 Ukrainians, who were held in Russian prisons.

The swap was confirmed by Andriy Yermak, the head of the the Ukrainian presidential office.

The price paid for the swap was the release of 63 jailed Russians.

"We continue to work. Let's get everyone back," said Yermak.

Chris had saved "over 400 lives" plus many abandoned animals, his family said last month, as they described him as a "a confident, outward-looking and adventurous young man who was loyal to everyone he knew".

According to a statement from the parents of Mr Bagshaw, the pair were trying to rescue an elderly woman in an area of intense military action when their car was hit by an artillery shell.

The statement from Rob, Christine and Katy Parry said: “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.

Both men were killed while attempting a "humanitarian evacuation", their families said (PA)
They were working in eastern Donetsk at the time of their deaths (PA)

"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.

(Courtesy of Christine Parry / SW SWNS)

“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, a resident of New Zealand, was in Ukraine delivering humanitarian aid, according to New Zealand media reports.

Mr Bagshaw was a resident of New Zealand (PA)

A statement from his parents, Dame Sue and professor Phil Bagshaw, said: “He and a colleague, Chris Parry, 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.

“The Ukrainian authorities, and government officials in New Zealand and London have been working hard to learn more details but little further is known about the circumstances of his death. Due to official legal processes in Ukraine it will be some time before Andrew’s remains are returned to New Zealand.

“Andrew selflessly took many personal risks and saved many lives; we love him and are very proud indeed of what he did.

“Andrew, age 47, was single, with a brother, two sisters and seven nephews and nieces. He was a scientific researcher in Genetics but had been working as a volunteer aid worker in Ukraine since last April.

“We intend that his death shall not be in vain. We are amongst many parents who grieve the deaths of their sons and daughters. We urge the civilized countries of the world to stop this immoral war and to help the Ukrainians to rid their homeland of an aggressor.”

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