A British soldier who has been serving as part of the Ukrainian Marines has been forced to surrender to Russian forces in Mariupol and is now thought to be a prisoner of war.
Aiden Aslin, otherwise known as Johnny or CossackGundi online, has been serving with the Ukrainian forces since well before the war began, and had been defending the besieged city of Mariupol against Russian invading forces in recent times.
However, according to his social media accounts – run by a friend – he has now been forced to surrender because of lack of food and ammunition.
His family are said to be in favour of a prisoner exchange.
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On social media, the post read: “We've gotten word from Johnny.
“’It's been 48 days, we tried our best to defend Mariupol but we have no choice but to surrender to Russian forces.
“’We have no food and no ammunition. It's been a pleasure everyone, I hope this war ends soon.’"
The account added: “We're putting this out after direct consultation with his family.
“Until we're told otherwise we'll continue working on sharing the facts of the war.
“Hope for a prisoner exchange.”
Speaking to the Newark Advertiser, Aiden’s mother Ang said: "He was OK and had made contact with his fiancee.
"Of course I'm worried about him and his unit going into Russian hands, but they are the most bravest and courageous men right now.
“They fought until they couldn't fight any more. They had no food, no ammunition, only water.
“He said that last night Russians dropped a chemical bomb via a drone over civilians and soldiers.
"A despicable act and another war crime Putin needs to be accountable for his actions
"Everyone who knows Aiden knows he's a good man. A son, a grandson, uncle and cousin and brother."
Aslin was born in the Midlands and before joining up with the Ukrainian military he was involved in the fight against ISIS in Syria, fighting with the YPG – one of the People’s Defence Units.
The account later shared pictures of Aslin completing his training to join the Ukrainian military from 2018, refuting claims from some online that he is a ‘mercenary’.
The Twitter account said: “Something very important to note: Aiden is a member of Ukraine's military and totally legal combatant.
“Mercenary, a word idiots try to attach to him, has a defined legal meaning.”
Before the surrender, his regiment – the 36th Marine Brigade – posted on Facebook to say they would be fighting for as long as possible, and with all available forces.
They said: "Today will probably be the last battle, as the ammunition is running out.
"It's death for some of us, and captivity for the rest."
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Topics: Ukraine, World News, UK News, Russia
Tom Wood