Family pays tribute to Glasgow man Jonathan Shenkin who 'died as hero' in Ukraine

A British man who died in Ukraine has been named by family as Jonathan Shenkin from Glasgow.

The Foreign Office confirmed on Tuesday that he was the eighth British national to die in Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion.

A family tribute on social media said Mr Shenkin “died as a hero in an act of bravery as a paramedic” in December.

The 45-year-old is said to be survived by his son and daughter, “to whom he was devoted”.

The statement said Mr Shenkin was born and raised in Glasgow and had lived in London and Malta before joining the Israeli army.

He then started his own security business, which involved missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Oman, Somalia, Angola, South Korea and the Philippines.

“Throughout his life he took reward in helping others, whether it be through volunteer work, training authorities, close protection or rescue,” the tribute read.

“As well as volunteering his skills during natural disasters in the Philippines, he devoted much of his time to good causes.”

A Foreign Office spokesperson said they were supporting the man’s family, and were in contact with local authorities.

Since the war began in February last year, numerous individuals have travelled from the UK – with some taking part in fighting against Russian forces while others engage in volunteering and aid work.

Mr Shenkin’s death comes after British military chiefs declared Vladimir Putin’s troops have been commanded to advance in “most sectors” but are struggling to achieve a major breakthrough on the Ukrainian front line.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Tuesday that the Russians have “not massed sufficient offensive combat power” on any one axis to “achieve a decisive effect”.