Russia should bear 'full responsibility' over reported death of Manchester aid worker Paul Urey in Ukraine

The Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, has demanded Moscow bears the 'full responsibility' over the reported death of a Manchester aid volunteer while being detained by separatists in Ukraine.

Paul Urey, 45, died in captivity on Sunday, according to the human rights ombudsperson for the Moscow-supported leadership in Donetsk. His mother, Linda Urey, expressed her anger, branding the separatists 'murderers', and asking: "Why did you let him die?"

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.

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Daria Morozova, the ombudsperson, branded Mr Urey a 'mercenary' and claimed he died in captivity on Sunday of chronic illnesses and stress. "From our side, he was given the necessary medical assistance despite the grave crimes he committed," she added.

Ms Truss said she was 'shocked' by reports of Mr Urey's death. "Russia must bear the full responsibility for this," she said in a statement.

"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."

Sir Tim Barrow, the second permanent secretary at the Foreign Office, was to urge Mr Kelin to clarify the status of Mr Urey and demand that Russia meets its obligations under international humanitarian law. Ms Urey