Russia claims they are 'taking care' of captured Shaun Pinner

Shaun Pinner, 48, from Watford, was captured last week along with Aiden Aslin from Nottinghamshire while the two were defending Mariupol in Ukraine.

The British men have since featured in Russian state TV footage, in which they admitted they were captured by Russian troops.

However Mr Aslin appeared to have some marks on his face in one clip which sparked concern whether the Geneva Convention - which states Prisoners of War are protected against violence - was being respected.

A screen grab of Shaun Pinner in the video released on Monday, as he directed a message to Boris Johnson

In a statement posted on social media, Russian Federation ministry of foreign affairs spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: “They are given food and drink, as well as any other assistance they may need, just as the other foreigners who have surrendered or have been detained.”

She also said: “Boris Johnson has urged the Russian government to treat the Briton detained in Mariupol while fighting on the side of the Ukrainian government forces ‘humanely and compassionately’.

“Here is what we have to say in this respect. Don’t pretend to be worried, You are utterly unconcerned about the fate of Britons in trouble.

“They didn’t drink champagne with you at Downing Street, and so they can wait for your protection till kingdom come.”

Pressure has been mounted on Boris Johnson to help the captured Britons. Credit: PA

In a video released on Monday (April 18) Mr Pinner pleaded for Boris Johnson to help bring him and Mr Aslin home.

The former waste manager from Watford said the two can be brought home in exchange for Ukraine releasing oligarch Mr Medvedchuk, a close friend of Vladimir Putin.

It is understood that Mr Pinner moved to Ukraine with his wife in 2018 and later joined the nation’s armed forces.

According to his family, his three-year contract was due to end later this year and he was planning to enter a humanitarian role within Ukraine.