UK government vows to do all it can to help Briton captured by Russia

The UK government has pledged to provide as much support as possible to a former British soldier who is currently being held captive by the Russian army while fighting for Ukraine.

Over the weekend, two videos emerged on Russian Telegram channels featuring a man who referred to himself as James Scott Rhys Anderson. In the footage, a bearded individual dressed in military gear is seen being interrogated. He has his hands bound and speaks deliberately in English, sharing details about his life, including a claim that he was a signalman in the British army from 2019 to 2023. Anderson states that he is 22 years old, based on the birth date he provided in the video.

Russian news agencies reported that a British citizen had been taken prisoner.

On Monday, the UK’s foreign secretary mentioned that he had received information about the situation. "I've been kept in the loop regarding this matter over the past few days. We will certainly do everything possible to provide support to this British citizen," said David Lammy while taking a pause during G7 discussions in Italy. A representative from the Foreign Office added, "We are assisting the family of a British man after hearing reports of his detention."

Anderson is said to have gone to Ukraine eight months ago to volunteer with the International Legion of the Ukrainian army. The specific details surrounding his capture are unclear, and it’s unknown when the video was recorded. The International Legion has not provided any comments on the matter.

Russian bloggers report that he was captured close to the village of Plekhovo in the Kursk region of Russia. A source from Russian security said to the state-backed news agency RIA, “We have a mercenary from Great Britain who goes by the name James Scott Rhys Anderson. He is currently providing information.”

Russia typically views foreigners who join the Ukrainian army as mercenaries and claims that they do not qualify for the usual safeguards granted to prisoners of war. This is despite the fact that Russia often disregards these protections regardless.

While many foreign fighters have been captured by Russian forces in Ukraine, if confirmed, Anderson's capture would mark the first known instance of a western soldier being detained within Russia. Earlier this year, Ukrainian forces managed to seize a portion of Russian land in a bold offensive, but Russian troops are now pushing back and have regained roughly 40% of the territory they previously lost, amid fierce battles.

Scott Anderson, Anderson's father, shared that he received a call from his son's commander in Ukraine informing him of the capture and that he had also watched the video. "I was utterly stunned and in tears. I recognized him immediately," Scott Anderson told the Daily Mail.

Someone who has spent time with Anderson in Ukraine described him as a cheerful, lively, and humorous individual who enjoys being with his friends. They noted that he's approachable and easy to converse with, even if he tends to be a bit reserved in larger groups. He has a keen sense of observation and creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere when you're with him.

Shaun Pinner, a former British soldier who fought alongside the Ukrainian army and was taken prisoner in 2022, shared with the Guardian that the upcoming 10 days would be vital for Anderson.

"It’s going to be quite challenging, but it really comes down to his strength and determination. Ultimately, he is a soldier from Ukraine, not a mercenary. That’s the key point," Pinner stated. "During my time in captivity, the Russians consistently tried to involve Britain in their narrative, falsely suggesting that there were British troops present on the ground."

Pinner was ultimately given a death sentence by a Russian-backed court in eastern Ukraine. However, he was freed later in 2022 after a deal was negotiated by the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, which resulted in the release of several British prisoners.

Pinner emphasized the need to be cautious about what is publicly stated regarding Anderson, as it might influence his legal situation and could be used during interrogations. "The Russians will use anything that is released against him, and we must keep in mind that those filming are likely to be the same people interrogating him," he explained.

Ukraine's International Legion was formed soon after the onset of the full-scale conflict and primarily includes volunteers from abroad. There are also international fighters in various sectors of the Ukrainian military. At the beginning of the war, officials in Ukraine reported that over 20,000 individuals from 52 different nations had come to assist in the fight against Russia; however, after that initial count, the figures have since been kept secret.

Russia's conflict with Ukraine has entered a new stage, characterized by heightened tensions and aggressive language, especially with Donald Trump's upcoming presidency. Recently, Ukraine received the long-awaited approval from the Biden administration to launch long-range missiles into Russia, which assisted their operation in Kursk. In reaction, Vladimir Putin launched an experimental ballistic missile at Dnipro and issued threats of nuclear retaliation.

Russia continues to launch drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, with a missile attack on Monday morning hitting a residential area in Kharkiv, resulting in at least 23 injuries, as reported by the city’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov. In addition, a missile struck during the day in the southern city of Odesa, injuring 10 individuals, according to local authorities.

Ukraine has persisted in its operations against locations within Russia associated with the Kremlin's military campaign. Ukrainian military intelligence informed the Associated Press that Ukrainian drones caused explosions and a fire at an oil storage facility in the Kaluga region of Russia during the early hours of Monday.