The family of a British soldier captured by Russian forces and paraded as a prisoner of war say they are desperate for their “funny and much loved” son to be released.
Shaun Pinner, 48, was taken prisoner in Marupil and transferred to Donetsk, where the Russians released a video of him confirming who he is.
Now the family of the soldier, who served in tours of Northern Ireland and Bosnia before relocating to Ukraine in 2018 where he met his wife, have released a statement.
Correcting previous reports suggesting he was a mercenary and confirming he is serving within the Ukrainian Army, they said: “Shaun was a well-respected soldier within the British Army serving in the Royal Anglian Regiment for many years.
“Shaun enjoyed the Ukrainian way of life and considered Ukraine as his adopted country over the last four years. During this time, he met his Ukrainian wife who is very focussed on the humanitarian needs of the country.
“He progressed into the Ukrainian Marines as a proud member of his unit. At the end of 2022 his three year contract is due to end and he was planning to enter a humanitarian role within Ukraine.
"We would like to make it clear he is not a volunteer nor a mercenary, but officially serving with the Ukrainian Army in accordance with Ukrainian Legislation.
“Shaun is a funny, much loved well intentioned Husband, Son, Father, Brother and Friend to many.
"We are hoping for a quick resolution to allow Shaun and Aiden to return safely to their families and we ask for privacy at this difficult time.
“Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this horrific conflict.”
They added they are working with the Foreign Office alongside the family of Aiden Aslin, the first Brit taken as a POW by Russia, to ensure their rights are being upheld by the Russians.
In a sickening propaganda video released by news outlet Axiom, Shaun can be heard saying: "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-six weeks and now I'm in Donetsk People's Republic."
Aiden, from Newark, Notts, has also appeared in a video being taunted by Russians with injuries on his face.
Aiden’s mother, Ang Wood, previously said : "It's Aiden I can't deny it. It's him.
“They are his tattoos. There is a faint hope it is a doctored image but I can't see it.
"I now hold Vladimir Putin to the terms of the Geneva Convention.
“Aiden is a serving member of the Ukrainian armed forces and as such is a prisoner of war and must be treated with humanity.
"It already looks like he has been beaten up.
"It is time now for the British Government to get involved. and help secure Aiden's release because he is still a British citizen.
"Possibly there is hope for a prisoner swap arranged by the Ukrainians. I'm in bits. My son will be scared just as we are."
