Young Brit killed 'fighting Russians in Ukraine' as mum desperate to bring body home
EXCLUSIVE: An appeal is underway to help Hal Bhatia's mother cover the cost to bring his body back to Britain.
A British man has been killed after flying to Ukraine to fight the Russian army. An urgent appeal has now been launched to fly recruitment consultant Hal Bhatia's body back to the UK.
Mr Bhatia, from London, had bravely travelled to the war-torn country to support the Ukrainian people in their ongoing fight against Russia.
Set up by his mother Sabeena Bhatia's friend Nicole Bowditch, a fundraising page has so far raised £3,690 of the £10,000 target in a desperate bid to repatriate the young man.
The GoFundMe appeal reads: “Sabeena’s son Hal died in Ukraine. He went there to support the Ukrainian people against oppression and attack.
“Because of his childhood experience Hal stood firmly against bullying and oppression of any sort. A victim himself, he sought to be of assistance to those suffering violent oppression.
"He was resilient, resourceful and determined to stand with suffering people. His unwavering commitment cost him his life.”
It goes onto say that Mr Bhatia had attempted to join the British Army but wasn’t able to due to medical history.
The appeal added: “Being the man he was, he went there alone and joined the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine.
“Repatriating his body is now a complicated and costly process. Please help his mother, Sabeena, to bring her son’s body back to the UK and to lay him to rest at home, where he belongs.”
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A supporter of the appeal said: “Please help if you can. We can only imagine how this feels.”
It's unclear exactly when, how and where in Ukraine Mr Bhatia died, but the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed they are supporting his family.
A spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Ukraine and are in contact with the local authorities.”
The Government has previously issued a stark warning against those considering travelling to the Ukraine to fight.
In a statement the Gov.uk website it said that “foreign fighters” could even be prosecuted upon their return.
It said: “If you travel to Ukraine to fight, or to assist others engaged in the war, your activities may amount to offences under UK legislation. You could be prosecuted on your return to the UK.
“British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities. The risk to life, or of mistreatment, is high.”
It added: “Our ability to provide consular support in these circumstances is very limited.”
