Former British soldier shot and killed in Ukraine as family pay tribute to 'hero'

A former British soldier has been shot and killed after travelling to Ukraine, his family has announced. Jordan Gatley was described as a “hero” who will “forever be in our hearts”. by his father in a post on social media.

Dean Gatley said his son had left the British Army in March “to continue his career as a soldier in other areas”. He went to Ukraine following its invasion by Russia to help with the war effort “after careful consideration”, his father said.

Mr Gatley said his son had been shot and killed in the city of Severodonetsk, in eastern Ukraine. The family received the “devastating” news of his death on Friday, he said.

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The post on Facebook read: “After careful consideration, he went to the Ukraine to help. We have had several messages from his team out there telling us of his wealth of knowledge, his skills as a soldier and his love of his job.

“His team say they all loved him, as did we, and he made a massive difference to many peoples lives, not only soldiering, but also by training the Ukrainian forces.

“Jordan and his team were so proud of the work they were doing and he often told me that the missions they were going on were dangerous, but necessary. He loved his job and we are so proud of him. He truly was a hero and will forever be in our hearts.”

In April, tributes were paid to Scott Sibley, a British military veteran reportedly killed in Ukraine while fighting against Russian forces. At that time the Foreign Office confirmed a British national had died in Ukraine. The Foreign Office has been contacted for comment following reports of the latest death.

It comes after two British men were handed the death penalty for fighting Russian forces in