British Man Fighting for Ukraine Captured by Russian Forces
A British national has been captured by Russian forces in Kursk Oblast, according to reports from November 24. James Scott Rhys Anderson, a 22-year-old former British army signalman, was identified as the man in a video circulating on Russian Telegram channels.
In the video, Anderson says he signed up for Ukraine’s International Legion after serving in the British military from 2019 to 2023. However, the authenticity of the footage and when it was taken remains unclear. The man appears frightened and worried, but cannot speak freely as he is captured by Russian soldiers.
The Russian state news agency TASS quoted a military source claiming that a “U.K. mercenary” has been detained in Kursk Oblast. Russia often portrays foreign volunteers fighting for Ukraine as “mercenaries,” and claims they are not entitled to protection as prisoners of war.
The UK Foreign Office said it is supporting the family of the British man following reports of his detention. The fighter’s father, Scott Anderson, was shocked and in tears when he saw the video. He described his son as frightened, scared, and worried.
This incident recalls the cases of two other Britons, Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner, who were captured by Russian forces in Mariupol in 2022 and sentenced to death before being released in a prisoner exchange. Russia has increased pressure on Kursk Oblast since early August to dislodge Ukrainian troops holding positions there.
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