A British man was sentenced to death in Ukraine by Russian-backed separatists. His family said that they were “devastated” and “saddened” by the outcome.
Shaun Pinner and fellow Brit Aiden Aslin were captured in Mariupol, April during intense fighting for control over the port city.
They were found guilty of “mercenary actions and committing actions aimed to seize power and overthrow the constitutional order of Donetsk People’s Republic.” However, their families claim they were fighting legally as part of the Ukrainian army. Therefore, they should be treated like prisoners of war.
Zelenskyy “didn’t want it to hear” when warned about Russia, states Biden. Follow live updates
Boris Johnson was “appalled” at sentences given to men. He ordered ministers “everything they could” to ensure their release.
It is happening as the war in Ukraine continues with intense fighting continuing in the city of Severodonetsk.
President Volodymyr Zilenskyy warned that the world is facing an “acute and severe food shortage and famine”.
“Our family misses him so much”
His family released a statement saying that Mr Pinner’s family was devastated by the result of the illegal trial by the Donetsk People’s Republic.
“As a Ukrainian citizen for more than four years, Shaun is contracted serving Marine in 36th Brigade. Of which he’s very proud. Shaun should be granted all rights as a prisoner-of-war according to the Geneva Convention, including independent legal representation.
“We hope all parties will cooperate urgently to ensure Shaun’s safe release or exchange.
“Our family, including his son and Ukrainian spouse, miss him so deeply and our hearts go out for all families affected by this terrible situation.”
Explaner: Why are two Britons subject to the death penalty
A spokesperson for Number 10 said that the prime minister had been closely following the case and asked ministers to do all they can to help the families reunited as soon as possible.
“You are not abandoned, and will not be forgotten”
As Mr Johnson’s fiancee Diana Okovyta, Mrs Aslin, traveled to London to support his release, it was a rallying cry.
In a touching social media post, she assured her husband that he wasn’t “abandoned”.
She stated, “How I wish that you knew you weren’t forgotten, that you’re not alone and that you won’t be abandoned.
“I hope you feel and know it deep in your soul.” “I believe we will soon see photos of you smiling in the newspapers.”
The UK has not yet announced plans to meet with Russian officials.
Read More: Sky’s Stuart Ramsay reminisces about meeting condemned Britons at the front line
Key developments:
- Boris Johnson ‘appalled’ at death sentences for Britons
- Severodonetsk: ‘Intense Street to Street Fighting’
- Zelenskyy Famine Warning over Russian Blockade
The battle for Luhansk continues on
As Russian forces try to seize control of the Luhansk Region, fierce fighting continues in Ukraine’s east and south.
According to UK intelligence, the city of Severodonetsk is a key target for Moscow and the last stronghold for Ukrainian resistance in the region.
According to the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), Russia is attempting to overthrow Ukrainian defenses by launching massive artillery and aerial attacks.
It stated that Moscow uses 1960s-era, 5.5-tonne antiship missiles against land targets.
According to the MoD, Russia is likely to resort to inefficient weapon systems as it runs out of modern missiles. However, Ukraine’s air defenses prevent its tactical aircraft flying strikes across large parts of the country.
World is at risk of an ‘acute, severe food crisis’ Zelenskyy warns
As he warned about the danger of famine, President Zelenskyy stated that stopping the Russian invasion was crucial for the entire world.
He said that “it is on the battlefields in Ukraine that the future rules and boundaries of this world are being determined along with the limits of the possible,” at a Singapore event via videolink.
He pointed out that Russia blocks ports in the Black Sea as well as the Azov Sea to keep Ukrainian food exports off the global market.
He stated that if Russia blocks our food exports, we will face an acute and severe crisis in the global food supply and famine in many African and Asian countries.
reply
retweet
favourite
