British man, 23, killed in action in Ukraine as tributes pour in
A British volunteer fighter has been killed while serving alongside Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region, his family has confirmed.
Ayrton Redfearn, 23, from Devon, died on May 9 while fighting in eastern Ukraine.
The young Briton had been serving with a specialist unit supporting Ukraine’s military after joining the war effort in 2025.
Mr Redfearn was said to be due to receive a medal for bravery at the time of his death.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it was supporting his family following the tragedy.
"We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Ukraine, and are in contact with the Ukrainian authorities," a spokesman said.
His mother, Natasha, described the devastation of losing "my beautiful, strong and incredibly brave son".
She revealed she had long feared receiving news of his death.
"This fear became reality on the evening of May 11 and the world of myself, and Ayrton's 10-year-old brother, then fell apart," she said.
The grieving mother said the family were trying to draw strength from his courage.
"We are trying to have just one per cent of the strength, bravery and courage of Ayrton, and if we can do this, it will help us to eventually come to terms with our life without him," she added.
Mr Redfearn joined the Torquay Air Cadets at the age of 12 before attending Churston Ferrers Grammar School.
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At 17, he enlisted in the RAF before later travelling overseas.
In Ukraine, he served under the call sign "Musso" and had recently been promoted to team leader.
His mother shared tributes from his commander and fellow soldiers on social media, where he was described as an "outstanding soldier" who gave "exceptional service".
Comrades also remembered him as a prankster who lifted morale off duty while remaining fully focused during combat operations.
Dr Ben King, who taught Mr Redfearn for five years, described him as "highly intelligent" and a "lovely lad" admired by everyone around him.
"He had so much to give, he was such a lovable rogue," Dr King told the BBC.
"I am deeply sorry to hear this tragic news and send my sincere condolences to his family."
The FCDO continues to warn Britons against travelling to Ukraine to fight.
Its website reads: “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 maltreatment, is high.”
An estimated 47 Britons have been killed while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces since Russia launched its invasion of the eastern European country in 2022.
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