A man from Watford has been identified as one of two British individuals fighting for Ukraine who have been captured by invading Russian forces.
Shaun Pinner, 48, was taken alongside Aiden Aslin, 28, in the south-eastern city of Mariupol, where they were both defending the city from Russia’s continued invasion of the city and country.
In footage released to Russian state TV, Mr Pinner says: “Hi, I’m Shaun Pinner. I am a citizen of the UK. I was captured in Mariupol. I am part of the 36 Brigade First Battalion Ukrainian Marines.
“I was fighting in Mariupol for five to six weeks and now I’m in Donetsk People’s Republic.”
#ShaunPinner a #NATO soldier captured after fighting in #Mariupol for 6 weeks is now as he say “in #Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR)”custody. @Gidi_Traffic pic.twitter.com/gLq67EFB36
— Real Global News (@FELASTORY) April 16, 2022
Mr Pinner is a former resident of Bedfordshire from Watford, who moved to Ukraine in 2018 and subsequently enlisted in the Ukrainian armed forces.
Amidst worries from their families about their treatment after footage showed facial bruising on both Mr Pinner and Mr Aslin, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: “Don’t worry, the Russian side is taking care of them.”
“They are fed, watered, and given the necessary assistance. Just like other foreigners who have surrendered or been detained.”
It is hoped they may be released as part of a negotiated prisoner swap in the future.
0 Comments