A former British soldier who volunteered to fight for Ukraine died by suicide after being left in agonising pain from injuries sustained in combat, a coroner's court has heard.
A Life of Service Cut Short
Tom Phillips, a 29-year-old from Colwyn Bay in North Wales, joined Ukraine's International Legion following Russia's full-scale invasion. He served as a sniper and team leader. He was found dead in his apartment in Kharkiv on 21 May 2023, having shot himself with a handgun.
His friend, Gareth Haynes, a former Grenadier Guardsman, told the hearing in Ruthin that Mr Phillips received no assistance from Ukrainian authorities. 'He was failed by the Ukraine military,' Mr Haynes stated.
From British Army to Battlefields of Ukraine
In a statement read to the court, his mother, Sasha Hayter, said her son had joined the Royal Artillery at 16 after leaving Eirias High School. He was discharged from the British Army in 2022 due to a hip injury.
Struggling to adapt to civilian life, he found new purpose in Ukraine. 'He absolutely loved it,' Mrs Hayter told the inquest. He rose to become a team commander involved in reconnaissance work but later suffered a broken bone in his back, which caused him significant physical and mental distress.
A Friend's Tribute and a System's Failure
Following his death, friend Joshua Kelly set up a GoFundMe appeal which raised over £20,000 to cover repatriation and funeral costs, as the Ukrainian government would not pay as he did not die in active combat.
On the page, Mr Kelly described Tom as a 'big softy' who loved animals and lit up rooms. He wrote that his friend had gone to Ukraine 'to stand up for what he believed in and do his bit to protect people who couldn’t protect themselves'.
He added: 'While he showed bravery most of us can only imagine, the weight of what Tom was experiencing took a heavy toll. Tragically he was not able deal with the pain he was experiencing anymore.'
Senior Coroner for North Wales East and Central, John Gittins, recorded a conclusion of suicide. He told Mr Phillips's parents: 'You must be incredibly proud of your son.'
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