Scott Sibley: British man killed in Ukraine, UK Foreign Office confirms

Scott Sibley: British man killed in Ukraine, UK Foreign Office confirms
The UK's Logistic Support Squadron, Commando Logistic Regiment called Scott Sibley a 'man that showed Commando spirit until the end'.
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Scott Sibley's death comes as Russia continues its brutal assault on Ukraine [Stringer/Anadolu Agency/Getty-file photo]

A British citizen has been killed in Ukraine and another is missing, the UK's foreign ministry said on Thursday, both reportedly involved in fighting with Russian forces there amid Moscow's brutal invasion.

The dead man was a military veteran named Scott Sibley, British media reported, with former comrades paying tribute to him although his identity was not officially confirmed.

His death is believed to be the first of a Briton fighting in the conflict. He was reportedly 36 years old.

"We can confirm that a British national has been killed in Ukraine and [we] are supporting their family," a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson told AFP.

"We are aware of [another] British national who is missing in Ukraine and [we] are supporting their family. We are urgently seeking further information," the spokesperson said.

A fundraising page set up in Sibley's name paid tribute to his "contagious laugh and ability to cheer us up".

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"This week the squadron has lost a former serving soldier. A man that showed Commando spirit until the end. RIP. Scott Sibley," said a tribute on the Facebook page of the UK's Logistic Support Squadron, Commando Logistic Regiment.

"A credit to his country and his unit. I hope his sacrifice is honoured by the Ukrainian forces and government. RIP," read another.

British media reported that the other missing person may also have been fighting as a volunteer against invading Russian forces, but this was not confirmed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called at the beginning of Russia's invasion, which began on 24 February, for foreigners to volunteer to fight for his country.

Several British and dual British-Ukrainian citizens are known to be fighting on the Ukrainian side, despite UK government warnings not to join the war.