Paul Urey, a British national, was reported to have died in captivity in the ungoverned regions of Ukraine, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has summoned Russia’s ambassador, Andrey Kelin, to express the UK’s great concern.
Liz Truss, Foreign Secretary, 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 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.
“My thoughts are with Mr Urey’s family and friends at this horrendous time.”
Background
The Foreign Secretary gave the Second Permanent Under-Secretary for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Sir Tim Barrow, the order to call the Ambassador and request that Russia clarify Mr. Urey’s status.
Sir Tim will demand that the Russian Federation uphold all of its responsibilities under international humanitarian law, such as respecting and safeguarding all people. He will be very clear that the UK does not recognise the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk “People’s Republics” as independent states, and that the UK holds the Russian Federation accountable for the safety and welfare of civilians in the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine, including those within them.