Bradley Townsend, British Fighter for Russia, Killed Near Lyman

Herz — World Desk · 25 August 2026 at 10:30 · 30s summary · 2 min read

What We Know

Bradley Townsend, a 33-year-old fisherman from Barnsley, Yorkshire, was killed on June 10 near Lyman in Donetsk region.

The Guardian reports that a remote-controlled drone piloted by an operator using live video feed struck him during combat.

Townsend is believed to be the first British citizen to die fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Reports of his death had circulated since June, but they were not widely reported until Monday.

Departure to Donbass in April

Townsend left Britain in April to join Russian separatists in eastern Donbass and participate in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

He had no prior combat experience and no known family ties in Eastern Europe.

He told his family he was going to Romania but later claimed on social media that he had made the decision himself to enlist.

He claimed his departure was not a suicide mission and that he risked prosecution if he returned to Britain.

Three Britons Granted Russian Citizenship

Townsend, Ben Stimson (49), and Aiden Minnis (39) all obtained Russian citizenship after joining Russia's military campaign.

Townsend appeared in videos distributed by pro-Russia accounts, one of which appeared to be operated by Ben Stimson.

Stimson had been imprisoned in Britain in 2015 after traveling to the region to join and fight with pro-Russia forces.

This occurred before Russia's full-scale invasion.

Townsend's Stated Reasons

Townsend said he wanted to repay the solidarity shown by Donbass miners toward Yorkshire miners during the 1980s strikes.

Former associates claimed he suffered from mental health issues and addiction.

They also believed he had been indoctrinated or manipulated by other Britons who had joined the Russian cause.

Reactions After His Death

Aiden Minnis presented Townsend as a fallen comrade who had sacrificed his life for their cause.

In the same message, Minnis compared Ukrainians to Nazis.

Tom Tugendhat, a former Conservative MP and former British Security Minister, expressed condolences to the family.

The former soldier, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, called Townsend's decision to fight extremely ill-advised, stupid, and criminal.

The Foreign Office, Britain's international affairs department, is providing support to Townsend's family.

Timeline

1. 2015
   Ben Stimson imprisoned in Britain after joining pro-Russia forces in the region.