The family of a British aid volunteer reportedly killed in a drone strike in Ukraine have expressed disappointment with the response from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Annie Lewis Marffy, 69, from Silverton in Devon, died on 11 June while delivering supplies to the Donbas region.
Ms Lewis Marffy travelled to Ukraine in late May with a convoy organised by the non-profit Aid Ukraine UK. She was driving a green Toyota Rav4 packed with aid and heading to Kramatorsk when she sustained injuries described as 'incompatible with life' in a Russian drone strike, according to Ukrainian police.
Her body remains in an area of active hostilities, preventing recovery. The family has requested a death certificate through local authorities or the FCDO to allow them to grieve and begin probate. They said they are in 'red-tape limbo' without proper documentation.
Katarzyna Bylok, founder of Aid Ukraine UK, said issuing a death certificate could take months or years due to the inability to recover remains. She noted that an expedited process exists in Ukraine but still takes six to 12 months. 'There is enough evidence to prove Annie is dead,' Bylok said.
The family said they have received no report from Ukrainian police and that Devon and Cornwall Police have retained Ms Lewis Marffy's computer, which contains vital information. 'Her sons have been told their mother is missing, presumed dead,' the family stated, adding they are desperate for more information.
An FCDO spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the family of a British woman who is missing in Ukraine and are in contact with the local authorities.'
