A former British soldier has died fighting Russian forces in the Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk, his family has announced.
Jordan Gatley left the British Army in March ‘to pursue his career as a soldier in other fields’ and flew to Ukraine soon after to help repel Russian forces and train Ukrainian soldiers.
Announcing the news on Facebook, his father Dean wrote: “Yesterday (6/10/22) we received the devastating news that our son, Jordan, was shot and killed in the city of Severodonetsk, Ukraine.
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He added: “His team says they all loved him, just like us, and he made a huge difference in the lives of many people, not only as a soldier but also training the Ukrainian forces.
“Jordan and his team were so proud of the work they did and he often told me that the missions they did were dangerous, but necessary.
“He loved his job and we are so proud of him. He was truly a hero and he will forever be in our hearts.”
Mr Gatley’s message, written late on Saturday, was met with hundreds of messages of condolence.
Jordan is pictured during his days in the British Army with his father Dean. Photo: Dean Gatley/Facebook
Second Briton to die in Ukraine since war started
His son is the second Briton to be confirmed dead in Ukraine during the war.
Scott Sibley36, died at the end of April and was also a former member of the British Armed Forces.
The city of Severodonetsk has become the main focus of the Russian offensive in recent weeks.
It is one of the last areas of the occupied eastern region of Luhansk which is still under Ukrainian control.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) released in its latest intelligence update that “Russia is using its superior balance of power and artillery to gradually seize territory in and around Severodonetsk.”