A Russian military court has sentenced a British man to 19 years in prison for allegedly fighting for Ukraine. James Scott Rhys Anderson was captured in Russia’s Kursk region last November during a cross-border incursion by Ukrainian forces. He was charged with terrorism and mercenary activity, making him the first British national to be convicted by Russia in the ongoing war.
According to a statement from the Russian court, Mr. Anderson reportedly pleaded guilty, although this claim has not been independently confirmed as he has not been able to communicate since his capture. The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for a response to the situation.
Upon his detention in November 2024, the UK government pledged support for the family of the British man following reports of his arrest. A Russian military court recently ruled that Mr. Anderson will serve the first five years of his sentence in prison before being moved to a penal colony with strict conditions. He was accused of committing a terrorist act, illegally crossing the border into Russia, causing significant property damage, and disrupting the activities of authorities.
During his three-day trial, which was conducted behind closed doors, video footage released by the Kursk court depicted Mr. Anderson being escorted into the courtroom in handcuffs, dressed in what appeared to be prison attire. Reports of his capture initially surfaced after videos circulated online showing him identifying himself and claiming to be a former British Army soldier. While Mr. Anderson is the first UK citizen to be captured and convicted by Russia for supporting Ukraine, two other British individuals were previously sentenced to death in Russia-occupied Donetsk, but they were ultimately released in a prisoner exchange
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