Andrew Bagshaw and Christopher Perry disappeared en route to Soledar, raising concerns amid escalating conflict in the Donetsk region.

Ukrainian authorities have confirmed the disappearance of two British men, Andrew Bagshaw, 48, and Christopher Perry, 28, who were last seen on Friday heading towards Soledar in the war-torn Donetsk region. This area has been the site of some of the most intense fighting in the ongoing conflict.

According to local reports, Bagshaw, a New Zealand resident, was in Ukraine to assist with the delivery of humanitarian aid. Ukrainian police reported that contact with the pair was lost after their departure for Soledar.

A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated: “We are providing support to the families of two British men who have gone missing in Ukraine.”

This incident follows the release of five British nationals in September. Aiden Aslin, Shaun Pinner, John Harding, Dylan Healy, and Andrew Hill were freed from captivity by Russian-backed forces and later returned to the UK.

Soledar, located in eastern Ukraine, remains a focal point of the conflict, with significant military activity reported in the region. The fate of Bagshaw and Perry highlights the growing risks faced by international volunteers and humanitarian workers in the area.

Further updates are awaited as efforts continue to establish their whereabouts.