Chris Parry and Andrew Bagshaw were killed in the Soledar rescue effort in Ukraine.

Chris Parry and Andrew Bagshaw, British nationals who were reported missing in eastern Ukraine, have been slain, according to their families.

Mr. Bagshaw, 47, and Mr. Parry, 28, were last seen leaving Soledar on January 6.

According to Mr. Bagshaw's relatives, the couple attempted to rescue an elderly woman when their cars were hit by a shell.

The men perished while "attempting a humanitarian evacuation," according to Mr. Parry's relatives.

The Russian mercenary group Wagner reported earlier this month that one of the men's bodies had been discovered.

Soledar had been the center of heavy combat. Russia's military claimed earlier this month that it had taken the Ukrainian salt mine town following a hard fight.

"It is with great sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Chrissy has been killed together with his colleague Andrew Bagshaw while attempting a humanitarian evacuation from Soledar, eastern Ukraine," Rob, Christine, and Katy Parry said in a statement released by the UK Foreign Office.

• Putting together the last known movements of missing British citizens in Ukraine
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They added of Mr. Parry, born in Truro, Cornwall: "His selfless drive in assisting the elderly, children, and the underprivileged there has made us and his extended family immensely proud. We never envisaged saying goodbye to Chris when he had such an exciting life ahead of him. He was a loving son, a wonderful brother, a best friend to many, and a devoted spouse to Olga.

"Chris was a self-assured, outgoing, and adventurous young guy who was devoted to everyone he knew. He traveled as a software engineer, but Cornwall was always his home. He wanted to tour the world and enjoyed rock climbing, cycling, running, and skydiving.

"He was drawn to Ukraine in March, at the onset of the Russian invasion, and assisted those in need, saving over 400 lives and countless abandoned animals.

"It is impossible to express how much he will be missed, but he will live on in our hearts forever.

"We are extremely grateful that he picked our family to be a part of."

Mr. Parry and Mr. Bagshaw had been volunteering in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

Mr. Bagshaw was a British citizen who resided in New Zealand.

Dame Sue and Prof Phil Bagshaw, his parents, said the men had been carrying food and medication and assisting the elderly.

According to a statement distributed through news outlets, Mr. Parry and Mr. Bagshaw "Their automobile was hit by an artillery shell when they were attempting to rescue an elderly woman from Soledar, in an area of severe military action.

"Andrew took many personal risks and saved many lives selflessly; we adore him and are very proud of what he achieved."

Conservative MP for Truro and Falmouth Cherilyn Mackrory tweeted: "My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Christopher Parry, whose death in Ukraine has been confirmed by the Foreign Office.

"At this time, my thoughts are with his family, and I believe they are receiving assistance from Foreign Office officials."

The Foreign Office has repeatedly recommended against all travel to Ukraine, warning there is "a genuine risk to life".

According to the statement, British nationals who are still in Ukraine should leave immediately if it is safe to do so.