British volunteer, 22, dies fighting in Ukraine as devastated brother pays tribute

31 August 2023, 13:49 | Updated: 31 August 2023, 13:55

Sam Newey joined the war in Ukraine when he was 21
Sam Newey joined the war in Ukraine when he was 21. Picture: Social media

By Emma Soteriou

A 22-year-old British volunteer has died while fighting Russian forces in Ukraine.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Sam Newey was killed in action in Eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, after volunteering on the frontline at the start of Russia's invasion.

His brother, Dan Newey, announced his death online as he paid tribute to one of the "bravest people" he had ever known.

Sam acted with "courage, morality and honour", he said, adding that he was "proud" of his little brother.

Read more: Russia hit by 'biggest drone strikes since Ukraine war began' as cargo planes damaged in airport attack

Read more: Putin and Kim Jong Un 'exchange letters' as Russia 'turns to North Korea for munitions'

Sam Newey and his brother
Sam Newey and his brother. Picture: Social media

"I cannot put into words how broken I feel," Mr Newey said in a Facebook post. "I also cannot emphasise how proud I am of my little brother.

"He'd just turned 21 when he decided to answer the call and travel to Ukraine to push back against Russian Imperialism.

"Sam you gave your life for people you never knew and acted with courage, morality and honour.

"Not only are you my little brother, but you're an exceptional man, a good soldier and one of the bravest people I ever had the privilege of knowing.

"Thank you so much for being part of my life for these 22 years. I love you always brother."

Sam Newey and his brother
Sam Newey and his brother. Picture: Social media

It comes after two British aid workers Chris Parry, 28, and Andrew Bagshaw, 47, died in Ukraine.

The pair went missing in the country in January en route to the town of Soledar, in the eastern Donetsk region of the country, after it was initially believed their vehicle was hit by an artillery shell.

Post-mortem examinations conducted in the UK revealed signs of abuse and execution, according to the family of Mr Bagshaw, who held dual British-New Zealand citizenship.

His parents said the findings suggested the pair were taken hostage and tortured before they were killed.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Exclusive
Angela Rayner reveals she took advice from NHS trauma specialists ahead of Grenfell demolition meeting

Angela Rayner reveals she took advice from NHS trauma specialists ahead of Grenfell demolition meeting

Italian F1 Grand Prix - Previews

Nightclub bouncer behind £12m plot to reveal Formula One star Michael Schumacher's health secrets jailed

Josef Fritzl

Incest monster Josef Fritzl could walk free from prison next year - and expects 'cheering crowds' to greet him

Ofsted's Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver supports an extension to term times

'Time to think about school holidays': Ofsted's Chief Inspector supports extending term times

Exclusive
Angela Rayner insisted that British support for Ukraine was 'unwavering'

Rayner insists UK support for Ukraine 'unwavering' despite Trump's plan for 'immediate' peace talks with Putin

Prince William, President of BAFTA, operates a film camera as he visits the London Screen Academy in London, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, Pool)

William tries his hand at being a cameraman on visit to London film academy

President Donald J. Trump participates in a bilateral meeting with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during the G20 Japan Summit Friday, June 28, 2019, in Osaka, Japan.

Trump and Putin to 'start negotiations immediately' over ending war in Ukraine - with US President to visit Moscow

Street scene in Peckham, London, with red bus

Bus driver, 76, found guilty of killing passenger who was run over while attempting to board vehicle

Norward Road, Lambeth, the proposed LTN.

Council staff given 'wellbeing day' after attending 'stormy' neighbourhood meeting

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, left, shakes hands with Britain's Defense Secretary John Healey prior to a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a NATO defense ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Feb.

Ukraine's NATO membership plans 'unrealistic' says US - as defence secretary claims US troops won't be peacekeepers

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire

Officer accused of pinning down and trying to kiss soldier, 19, had been 'waiting for moment for them to be alone'

A public inquiry into the Nottingham attacks will begin 'within weeks'

Public inquiry into Nottingham attacks will begin 'within weeks', PM tells victims' families

Paul Allen.

Cagefighter guilty of Britain's largest cash robbery shot in neck in his kitchen in murder plot

Lucy Harrison

British woman, 23, dies after being shot dead at dad's US house as 'utterly heartbroken' family pays tribute

Ragley Hall, Warwickshire.

Earl sues parents over 'trauma' for not being gifted £85 million Warwickshire estate

d

Outrage as auction house flogs Nazi memorabilia including Göring's dinner plate, Luftwaffe dagger and Swastika bunting