British national Nathan Stobbart has been declared missing in action while fighting for Russia in Ukraine. His family in the UK, who were unaware of his military service, are now seeking to find him.
Mr Stobbart's mother, Valerie Stobbart, received a text message in December 2025 from her daughter-in-law, Ksenia, in Russia, informing her that Nathan had vanished. He had reportedly joined the Russian army in April 2025, having previously told his mother he was working as an electrical contractor.
A Russian army document, seen by the BBC, confirms he was officially declared missing in action by his unit on 12 December 2025, though no body has been found. Valerie Stobbart stated that Ksenia revealed Russian authorities had warned Nathan he would face deportation if he did not sign up for a year's military service, as he would not be granted a visa to remain in the country.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed it is aware of reports of a British national missing after fighting for Russia in Ukraine and is in contact with his family. The FCDO advises against all travel to Russia and stated its ability to provide consular support in such circumstances is severely limited.