Newark's Aiden Aslin and fellow Brit Shaun Pinner appear on Russian state TV asking to be exchanged for pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk

Two British soldiers who are members of the Ukrainian armed forces, one of them Newark's Aiden Aslin, have appeared on Russian state TV as captives again; this time asking to be swapped with a pro-Russian politician.

Aiden, 28, and Shaun Pinner, both members of the Ukrainian marines and captured in the port city of Mariupol have asked to be swapped with pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk who is being held by the Ukrainians.

It is unclear how freely the two men were able to talk or who was behind the swap suggestion.

Both asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to help bring them home in exchange for Medvedchuk.

In the broadcast Aiden said: ": I think Boris needs to listen to what (unclear) has said. I remember seeing in the news when Viktor was arrested for his political affiliations. If Boris Johnson really does care like he says he does about British citizens then he will help to pressure Zelenskyy to do the right thing and return Viktor to his family and return us to our families."

Shaun Pinner said: "Mr Johnosn, obviously, I'm Shaun Pinner, a lot has gone over the last five or six weeks that I'm not fully aware of.

"Obviously I understand Mr Medvedchuk has been detained and we look to exchange myself and Aiden Aslin for Mr Medvedchuk.

"We appreciate your help in this matter in pushing this agenda.

"Myself I have been treated well. I fully understand the situation I am in.

"We have been fed and watered.

"That's all can really say. But I beg on my behalf and Aiden Aslin's behalf to help us in an exchange for Mr Medvedchuk."

Meanwhile, in a video released by Ukrainian intelligence, Mr Medvedchuk, a Ukrainian oligarch, was shown making an appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. to be exchanged for the defenders of Mariupol and any civilians allowed to leave.