Sam Newey: British volunteer killed in Ukraine a 'selfless warrior'

Samuel Newey carried out "mission after mission" in Ukraine, said his family

A British volunteer killed in Ukraine has been described by his family as a "selfless warrior" who died fighting for people he had never met.

Solihull student Samuel Newey travelled to the war torn country 12 months ago undertaking "mission after mission", they said.

His mother said the whole family was "immensely proud" of him.

Vikki Downes said she was heartbroken to have to arrange her "baby boy's funeral".

A fundraising page has been set up to help towards his funeral costs.

Sam had been studying psychology at university when Russia invaded Ukraine.

He travelled to the country without fear, embarking on a journey of battle, courage and tenacity, she said.

"Most people would have crumbled. Not Sam, he undertook mission after mission with the upmost bravery. One of the most selfless acts a human can do," she wrote.

Samuel Newey pictured receiving an award from Princess Anne in 2019

The 22-year-old died in Eastern Ukraine on Wednesday morning.

Ms Downes said she, along with Sam's brothers Dan, Adam and Josh, and father Paul, were "in awe of his decision to answer the call... and push back [against] Russian imperialism".

"He gave his life for people he didn't know. He acted with courage, morality and honour," she added.

His family said they had been left "devastated and heartbroken" by his death, and wanted his "last journey" to be a memorable one.

"Samuel was the light of all our lives, he was the whole family's baby boy with the cheeky character to match," added Paul Newey.

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In 2020, Samuel and his father were charged with terrorism offences in relation to his brother Daniel's decision to join the Kurdish YPG militia to fight the Islamic State (IS) group.

At the time, the Kurdish YPG were the main component of the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Western ally against IS and supported by the UK government.

Samuel Newey (centre, wearing suit) was accused of terrorism offences in 2020

All charges were eventually dropped, and no further action was taken.

"All he wanted to do from an early age was the join the British army, but that was not meant to be after all the aftermath of our arrests for supporting Daniel," said Mr Newey.

"I don't really want to talk about the politics of it all as it's just a senseless waste of human life on both sides.

"I don't take any comfort in the fact that some Russian family is feeling exactly the way I feel today after losing their loved one.

"We pray for a quick end to this war so my beautiful son can be one of the last brave fallen."

Samuel Newey is the latest Briton to be killed in Ukraine with others including Simon Lingard from Lancashire who died in November, and former British soldier Jordan Gatley last June.

A spokesperson for the UK's Foreign Office said it was providing support to the family of a British man following his death in Ukraine.