Ex-British soldier killed fighting in Ukraine after being hit by grenade from Russian drone as pals pay tribute

PALS have paid tribute to a former British soldier killed fighting in Ukraine.

Jake Waddington, 34, was hit by a grenade dropped from a Russian drone on Monday.

Former Royal Anglian soldier Jake Waddington, 34, was hit by a grenade dropped from a Russian drone on Monday

The former Royal Anglian soldier – who reportedly spoke Russian, Ukrainian and Pashtu – joined Ukraine’s International Legion in 2023.

A second soldier was critically injured in the attack in Zaporizhia province.

Jake’s friend and former comrade Rob Clark wrote on Facebook: “You were one of the best of us.”

He added: “Those who know Jake will remember his particularly peculiar yet infectious sense of humour, how disarming he was, how he saw the good in everyone, his deep love of animals; and his sense of profound decency, honour, and fairness.”

Jake’s career in the Army was cut short after he suffered an epileptic seizure.

Clark added: “The irony is Jake’s medical conditions precluded much of his service in the Army, which is what helped him volunteer to fight in Ukraine.

“He had only just extended for a further 6 months late last year.”

Clark wrote: “I have many, many fond memories of our times together, and I’m so proud of you mate. I sometimes used to think he was not made for this world, but the truth is, this world was not made for Jake.

“My thoughts are with his sister, mother, uncle and all his brothers back in Ukraine continuing to fight on.”