UK volunteer, 18, tragically killed by drones in Ukraine
James Wilton, an 18-year-old volunteer from the United Kingdom, was killed in Ukraine. He and his companion were targeted by Russian drones. "Once the drone was on him, James never stood a chance," says the 18-year-old's friend, who witnessed his death.
James Wilton was 17 when he decided to volunteer in the defense of Ukraine against Russia. He had no prior military experience. His story is described by the British newspaper "The Sun." According to reports, the 18-year-old flew to Ukraine four months before his death.
"I’ll never get over this. I didn’t want him to go but his heart was set on it. He wanted to help Ukraine," said Graham Wilson, the 18-year-old's father.
War in Ukraine: 18-year-old volunteer from the UK has died
Jason, an American volunteer who also participated in the same mission, described the final moments of the 18-year-old. They were walking in a group of six when suddenly drones approached.
"I screamed at him: ‘We need to move, we need to move!’ Then the drone moved and began hovering 20 metres above me. He wanted us closer together so he could kill both of us with one bomb. Then another drone appeared. I told him I was going to start shooting then he turned and said: ‘I’m going to run.’ We both started sprinting with two drones on top of us — then a third one appeared. Once the drone was on him, James never stood a chance," describes Jason.
Just about 100 feet from the trench line, there was an explosion. About 20 minutes later, Jason returned to the battlefield to retrieve his friend's body. He was injured in the foot. James Wilton was cremated in Ukraine on July 24 of last year. Only now is the truth about his tragic death coming to light.
The deceased Briton left behind his parents and siblings in the country: 22-year-old Sophie and 21-year-old Sarah. "I brought his ashes back home, but might go back to scatter them there. I think that might be what he would have wanted," muses the 18-year-old's father.
