British Mercenary Dies In Detention, Russia Says London Ignores Talks With Parliamentary Authorities

Maria Zakharova. (Twitter/@RussianEmbassy)

JAKARTA - London has ruled out possible talks with the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) on swapping British mercenary Paul Urey, who died in a detention facility on July 10, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Monday.

"We have repeatedly pointed out to the UK that Paul Urey's fate must be discussed with the authorities of the House of Representatives, a sovereign and independent country. However, London ignored him, especially not paying attention to the possibility of talks about the return of the British national through a prisoner exchange," she was quoted as saying by TASS on July 19.

The diplomat further explained, "Urey suffers from a number of chronic diseases, including type 1 diabetes." "However, the UK did not bother to send medicine for her through the ICRC," said Zakharova.

"Meanwhile, Donetsk authorities are providing him with all necessary medical care," she added.

Furthermore, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry also highlighted "London's inappropriate desire to politicize the situation and increase tensions around the death of a British citizen in the House of Representatives."

"However, according to DPR authorities, he is far from being a civilian but a professional soldier who previously served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, and then led combat operations and trained members of the Ukrainian service," Zakharova said.

"DPR People's Militia officers detained Urey in a breakthrough attempt at a checkpoint in April," Zakharova continued.

She also said, "some in London are seeking to take advantage of these developments and the associated humanitarian tragedy to stir up media scandals and 'score points' in fighting for the position of leader of the British Conservative Party."

Earlier, House Ombudsman Darya Morozova announced that Paul Urey had died in a detention facility due to chronic illness and depression.