18-year-old James Wilton had flown from Manchester to Ukraine four months ago and wanted to stand against Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, despite having no military experience
A British teenager who flew out to fight against Russia “never stood a chance” as he was killed just minutes into his first mission by a Vladimir Putin drone.
18-year-old James Wilton had flown from Manchester Airport to Ukraine four months ago and wanted to stand against Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, despite having no military experience. He had joined a small team of international fighters who were delivering supplies to the frontline when he was quickly spotted by Russian drones. Tragically, on his first mission he died, after being chased by three drones in an open field.
His heartbroken dad Graham begged his son not to fly out to Ukraine but James was wanted to go and nothing was going to stop him. “He wanted to help Ukraine. I wish we could have swapped places because he had his whole life in front of him.”
James’ best friend Jason, an American voulnteer fighter, was with him at the time and recalled the terrifying moment they were being chased. “Once the drone was on him, James never stood a chance”, he said.
The drones had hovered over the pair, according to Jason, as they had to decide whether to run for safety or hit back. James decided to sprint but the drone quickly followed him and struck just 30 metres from the trench line. The death of the teenager remained unreported for months – to help the family grieve in private.
Dad Graham, a trade counter assistant, travelled from Huddersfield to Ukraine where he attended his son’s heartbreaking cremation. He also met Jason and the other fighters who were alongside him. Graham told The Sun.: ‘It’s taken time to process, but I think it’s important people know about James’s sacrifice.”
According to James’s mum, Kerrie-Anne, 44, the teen had already made up his mind and wanted to travel to Ukraine. His dad drove him to Manchester Airport despite not wanting his son to go.
Jason, who lost his foot after stepping on a landmine, has returned to Ukraine for rehabilitation and paid tribute to his friend James, who had no formal military training before joining Ukraine’s 2nd International Legion. He said:”I’ve killed two Russian soldiers myself, but nothing prepares you for losing someone who’s close to you. I knew James was going to be a lifelong friend. ‘Now he’s gone, and all I have are memories. I’ve seen people die out here.”