• One of the two British humanitarian workers reported missing.
• Andrew Bagshaw and Chris Parry were last seen on Friday in Soledar, Ukraine.
• The Foreign Office is aware of recent claims but has not corroborated them.

One of the two British humanitarian workers reported missing over the weekend has reportedly been found dead, according to a Russian mercenary group engaged in fighting in Ukraine.

The Foreign Office said it was helping the two men’s families, however it has not corroborated the claim.

Intense violence has been going on recently in the town of Soledar, and Andrew Bagshaw, 48, and Chris Parry, 28, were last seen leaving on Friday.

Without naming him, the Wagner group reported on Wednesday that a body had been discovered.

The gang shared images of allegedly missing men-related documents on social media.

The head of the pro-Kremlin Wagner group said in a statement posted on the messaging app Telegram that the body had been discovered in eastern Ukraine.

According to the Foreign Office, it was in contact with Ukrainian officials and was aware of recent claims.

Later, Downing Street said the reports, which were yet to be verified, were “deeply concerning”.

British citizens were implicated, but mainly from media reports, according to Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

He noted that the individuals were warriors according to accounts in Russian media.

The two charity workers were allegedly fighters, according to Russian propaganda publications, but there is no proof of such.

Mr. Parry and Mr. Bagshaw had been performing volunteer work in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, aiding in the evacuation of civilians from the front lines.

The family of Mr. Parry, who now resides in Cheltenham but is originally from Truro in Cornwall, said earlier this week that they were “extremely worried” about his well-being and whereabouts.

He “would not be dissuaded from his work in Ukraine liberating elderly and disabled people, which we are very proud of”, they said.

The parents of Mr Bagshaw, who lives in New Zealand, said they “love him dearly” and were immensely proud of all his work helping Ukrainians.

They claimed he had been aiding the elderly and giving food and medications.

Recent combat has taken place in Soledar, a town in east Ukraine that is located north of Bakhmut.

Although Ukraine said on Wednesday that its forces were resisting, the Wagner Group has seized control of the town. Neither assertion has been proven.

It has been challenging for journalists to visit the region and obtain a clear picture of what is happening due to the violence and level of destruction.

The Foreign Office is warning against all travel to Ukraine, saying there is “a real risk to life”.

If it is safe to do so, British nationals who are still present in Ukraine should leave right away.

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