The body of a British aid worker who reportedly died after being captured by Russian forces in Ukraine showed signs of "possible unspeakable torture".
The Ukrainian foreign minister said the body of Paul Urey, who died in captivity in July, showed signs of "possible unspeakable torture" when it was returned. The 45-year-old, who has lived in Warrington, was branded a 'mercenary' by the human rights ombudsperson for the Moscow-supported leadership in Donetsk, Daria Morozova.
Ms Morozova claimed Mr Urey died in captivity of chronic illnesses and stress. She said: "From our side he was given the necessary medical assistance despite the grave crimes he committed."
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But Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian foreign minister, wrote on Twitter: "Russians have returned the body of a British humanitarian worker Paul Urey whom they captured in April and reported dead due to 'illnesses' and 'stress' in July. With signs of possible unspeakable torture. Detaining and torturing civilians is barbarism and a heinous war crime.
"I express my deepest condolences to relatives and close ones of Paul. He was a brave man who dedicated himself to saving people. Ukraine will never forget him and his deeds. We will identify perpetrators of this crime and hold them to account. They won’t escape justice."
Mr Urey was born in Manchester but also lived in Warrington and Preston. His daughters Chelsea, 20, and Courtney Coman, 17, told the Manchester Evening News they were told of his death by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Mr Urey's mum Linda Urey branded the separatists 'murderers' following the news of his death, asking: "Why did you let him die?” Ms Urey said she had begged her son not to return to Ukraine after he'd come home for leave.
She said her son had type 1 diabetes and needed regular insulin. She told Sky News she was "absolutely devastated" after he died.
The Presidium Network said Mr Urey and fellow Brit Dylan Healey had been captured at a checkpoint in south-east Ukraine in April. The organisation added the pair had travelled to Ukraine of their own accord.
They were not working for the Presidium Network, which helps to get aid into Kyiv. The organisation said the pair went missing while driving to help a woman and two children.
Russian ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin was summoned to the Foreign Office to face questioning over what happened to Mr Urey, who was detained near the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia in April. Liz Truss, who was Foreign Secretary at the time, said she was "shocked" by reports of Mr Urey’s death.
Ms Truss said: "Russia must bear the full responsibility for this. Paul Urey was captured while undertaking humanitarian work.
"He was in Ukraine to try and help the Ukrainian people in the face of the unprovoked Russian invasion. The Russian government and its proxies are continuing to commit atrocities. Those responsible will be held to accountable. My thoughts are with Mr Urey’s family and friends at this horrendous time."
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