A 33-year-old fisherman from South Yorkshire has become the first British citizen confirmed to have died fighting on behalf of Vladimir Putin's army in Ukraine.

Bradley Townsend, from Barnsley, was killed in eastern Ukraine near the city of Lyman during a "storm operation" involving a remote-controlled drone. His death came just ten weeks after he first touched down in Moscow.

Four years on from the start of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Mr Townsend travelled to the Russian capital in April to sign a formal military contract with the Kremlin. He had no prior military experience, and before leaving the UK, he told his family he was simply travelling to Romania.

According to reports, he was recruited online by two British pro-Russian fighters, Aiden Minnis and Ben Stimson. Both recruiters could face terrorism charges before British courts if they ever return to the UK.

Before his death, Mr Townsend appeared in video footage published on Telegram in April, in which he described himself as "a normal working-class lad from Yorkshire" and reaffirmed his support for Russian separatists. Growing up in a mining community, he claimed Donbas workers had donated a month's salary to Yorkshire miners during the 1980s, explaining he had gone to Moscow to "repay that favour".

He also appeared clear-eyed about the dangers and the legal consequences of his actions, saying on camera: "I came with the idea that I probably wouldn’t be able to go home. I’d definitely get persecuted if I went back. I’m not here for a suicide mission, but I understand that’s what can happen. This was my own decision, I wasn’t pushed into anything."

Following his death near Lyman, a Russia-associated social media channel praised Mr Townsend as a "warrior in a holy war" who had been "sacrificing his life for the cause".

Ben Stimson, who was jailed in the UK in 2017 for joining a Russian-backed militia group, claimed he had previously urged Mr Townsend to stay in Britain, noting that "Brad was adamant he wanted to go and fight." Stimson said Mr Townsend's flat cap had since been sent back to the UK and would be placed on Ilkley Moor.

People who knew Mr Townsend in Yorkshire have offered a very different perspective on his journey. One schoolfriend said he had been "brainwashed," while another acquaintance described him as a "normal guy" whose vulnerability was exploited by those looking to recruit him into their cause.

Tom Tugendhat, the Conservative MP for Tonbridge, expressed sympathy for Mr Townsend's relatives but was unequivocal about the illegality of his actions. Mr Tugendhat said he was "very sorry for him and his family," before adding: "It’s extremely misguided and, you know, no question about it, it’s criminal because you’re engaging in an army that is committing the most barbarous war crimes that the world has seen in decades."

The Foreign Office has confirmed it is aware of Mr Townsend's death and is currently providing consular support to his family. I'll be following this one — check back for updates.