Russian authorities have sentenced James Scott Rhys Anderson, a 22-year-old British national, to 19 years in prison. They accused him of fighting alongside Ukrainian forces and charged him with terrorism and mercenary activities. Anderson, who comes from Banbury, Oxfordshire, was captured in November last year.
Russia’s Accusations
Russian investigators claimed Anderson crossed the border illegally while carrying weapons. They accused him of committing crimes against civilians in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces hold strong ground. Officials also blamed him for damaging property and disrupting government operations.
Court Proceedings and UK’s Response
In court, Anderson pleaded guilty. The court’s press service released a photo showing him in handcuffs and locked in a cage.
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office strongly condemned the sentence. Officials called the charges “false” and demanded that Russia treat Anderson as a prisoner of war.
UK Demands Anderson’s Release
The UK urged Russia to follow international law and stop using prisoners for propaganda. Officials pointed out that prisoners of war (POWs) cannot face prosecution for fighting in a war.
“We demand that Russia respect these obligations, including those under the Geneva Conventions, and stop using Prisoners of War for political and propaganda purposes,” the Foreign Office stated.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy assured that the UK government would provide Anderson with “all the support that we can.”
First Foreign Fighter Sentenced on Russian Soil
Russia has captured several British nationals before, but all were arrested in Russian-occupied Ukraine. Anderson is the first known foreign fighter sentenced inside Russia.
The Kremlin views foreigners fighting for Ukraine as mercenaries. Russian authorities claim these prisoners do not qualify for the legal protections of POWs, though Russia often violates these protections anyway.
Family’s Fears and Emotional Plea
A video interrogation posted on pro-Kremlin Telegram channels showed Anderson admitting he served in the British Army for four years as a signalman. He later joined Ukraine’s International Legion. His family confirmed that he was part of the Royal Signals Corps.
His father, speaking to the Daily Mail, said he begged Anderson not to go to Ukraine. He fears his son could face torture in captivity.
“He wanted to go out there because he thought he was doing what was right,” his father said. “I’m hoping he’ll be used as a bargaining chip.”