Former British Soldier Captured by Russia
A 22-year-old former soldier from the UK has been caught by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine. James Scott Rhys Anderson was in a place called Kursk Oblast, which is in eastern Ukraine.
Anderson used to be part of the British Army, serving for four years until 2023. He joined the Ukrainian army’s International Legion after losing his job. However, he says it was “a stupid idea” to fight for Ukraine.
The Russian government has confirmed that Anderson was caught in a village called Plekhovo. The UK is now supporting his family.
Many soldiers from Ukraine have been captured by Russia and then released. But some of them have not been given back yet, and many are being treated badly. Human rights groups say 95% of Ukrainian soldiers who are captured face torture and bad treatment.
Anderson has appeared in a video with his hands tied up, speaking in English. He says he was a signalman in the British Army and joined Ukraine’s army to fight for them.