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  "path": "/news/world/ukraine-war-british-man-killed-in-action-donetsk-tributes",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-24T01:25:46.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Vladimir Putin suggests Ukraine war 'coming to an end' following majorly scaled-back Victory Parade",
    "'Only a matter of time before ROBOT WARFARE' as Ukraine builds 25 thousand drones in war with Russia",
    "Vladimir Putin under threat of Ukrainian assassination as Kremlin ramps up security",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nA British volunteer fighter has been killed while serving alongside Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region, his family has confirmed.\n\nAyrton Redfearn, 23, from Devon, died on May 9 while fighting in eastern Ukraine.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe young Briton had been serving with a specialist unit supporting Ukraine’s military after joining the war effort in 2025.\n\nMr Redfearn was said to be due to receive a medal for bravery at the time of his death.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it was supporting his family following the tragedy.\n\n\"We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Ukraine, and are in contact with the Ukrainian authorities,\" a spokesman said.\n\nHis mother, Natasha, described the devastation of losing \"my beautiful, strong and incredibly brave son\".\n\nShe revealed she had long feared receiving news of his death.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"This fear became reality on the evening of May 11 and the world of myself, and Ayrton's 10-year-old brother, then fell apart,\" she said.\n\nThe grieving mother said the family were trying to draw strength from his courage.\n\n\"We are trying to have just one per cent of the strength, bravery and courage of Ayrton, and if we can do this, it will help us to eventually come to terms with our life without him,\" she added.\n\nMr Redfearn joined the Torquay Air Cadets at the age of 12 before attending Churston Ferrers Grammar School.\n\n### UKRAINE - READ THE LATEST:\n\n\n\n\n  * Vladimir Putin suggests Ukraine war 'coming to an end' following majorly scaled-back Victory Parade\n  * 'Only a matter of time before ROBOT WARFARE' as Ukraine builds 25 thousand drones in war with Russia\n  * Vladimir Putin under threat of Ukrainian assassination as Kremlin ramps up security\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAt 17, he enlisted in the RAF before later travelling overseas.\n\nIn Ukraine, he served under the call sign \"Musso\" and had recently been promoted to team leader.\n\nHis mother shared tributes from his commander and fellow soldiers on social media, where he was described as an \"outstanding soldier\" who gave \"exceptional service\".\n\nComrades also remembered him as a prankster who lifted morale off duty while remaining fully focused during combat operations.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDr Ben King, who taught Mr Redfearn for five years, described him as \"highly intelligent\" and a \"lovely lad\" admired by everyone around him.\n\n\"He had so much to give, he was such a lovable rogue,\" Dr King told the BBC.\n\n\"I am deeply sorry to hear this tragic news and send my sincere condolences to his family.\"\n\nThe FCDO continues to warn Britons against travelling to Ukraine to fight.\n\nIts website reads: “British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities.\n\n“The risk to life, or of maltreatment, is high.”\n\nAn estimated 47 Britons have been killed while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces since Russia launched its invasion of the eastern European country in 2022.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "British man, 23, killed in action in Ukraine as tributes pour in"
}