Brit, 33, becomes first UK national to die fighting for Putin after being hit by Ukrainian suicide drone on frontline

A FISHERMAN who betrayed his country to fight for Vladimir Putin has become the first Brit to die fighting for Russia. Bradley Townsend, from Yorkshire, was killed after being struck by a Ukrainian suicide bomb on the frontline. Bradley Spencer Townsend joined the Russian army to fight Ukraine Bradley Spencer Townsend at the Victory Monument in Moscow He reportedly died in June while fighting in Lyman, the frontline in the hotly contested Donetsk region. The self-proclaimed “working-class lad” joined Mad Vlad’s army to repay Russia for supporting the miner’s strike in the 1980s. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! He ran off and joined Putin’s army in April, despite having no military experience. Fellow Brit traitor Aiden Minnis said Townsend had “sacrificed his life for our cause”. The British Government have said that they are aware of reports of his death and are “in contact with his family”. He is believed to be the first British volunteer to be killed while fighting for the Russians in Ukraine. Enlisting with Putin’s army “could be breaking UK laws”, the government warned. Brits who return to Britain after fighting for Putin may face criminal charges. Most read in The Sun In an interview in April, Townsend said: “I came here with the idea that I probably won’t be able to go home. “I’d definitely get prosecuted if I went back.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. Comment now