Ex-British soldier captured in Russia while fighting for Ukraine: Report
Ex-British soldier captured in Russia while fighting for Ukraine: Report
A British citizen has reportedly been captured by Russian forces in the Kursk region while fighting for Ukraine. The individual, identified as 22-year-old James Scott Rhys Anderson, appeared in a video shared on pro-Russian Telegram channels on Sunday (Nov 24).
In the video, Anderson, dressed in military clothes and speaking with an English accent, introduced himself and explained that he had previously served as a signalman in the British Army. “I was in the British Army before, from 2019 to 2023, 22 Signal Regiment,” he said. He added that he joined Ukraine’s International Legion after losing his job.
“When I left… got fired from my job, I applied on the International Legion webpage. I had just lost everything. I just lost my job. My dad was away in prison, I see it on the TV. It was a stupid idea,” Anderson said, according to the Sky News. He also described how he travelled to Ukraine, saying he flew from London Luton to Krakow in Poland and then took a bus to the Medyka border crossing into Ukraine.Asecond video shows Anderson with his hands tied, and at one point, his eyes are covered with tape.Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plays down privacy fears of social media ban for children
The Russian state news agency Tass reported that a “UK mercenary” was captured in the Kursk region, citing a military source. In response, the UK Foreign Office confirmed that it is providing support to the family of a British man following reports of his detention.
This incident highlights the involvement of foreign nationals in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Since Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s 2022 call for international volunteers, thousands of people from across the globe have joined Ukraine’s forces, with many enlisting in the International Legion. This unit, known for its selectivity, operates as part of Ukraine’s military.
Similar cases have occurred previously. In 2022, two Britons captured in Mariupol while serving with Ukraine’s marines were sentenced to death in a court in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine. However, they were later released as part of a prisoner exchange brokered by Saudi Arabia.Trump plans to ban transgender military personnel on day one after taking office: 15,000 could face discharge