British Volunteer Fighting for Ukraine Arrested in Russia’s Kursk Region

22-year-old British national James Scott Rhys Anderson has reportedly been arrested by the Leninsky District Court in Russia’s Kursk Region. 

Anderson faces charges of illegally crossing the Russian border as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and engaging in combat in the Kursk region. While the court’s press release did not specify the exact offenses, Anderson is reputedly described as a suspect in committing "a series of especially grave crimes posing significant public danger,” charges which carry maximum sentences of 20 and 15 years. 

As a consequence, Anderson will now face criminal prosecution rather than being treated as a prisoner of war.

On November 24, a video began circulating on Russian Telegram channels depicting a man in military uniform with his hands bound identifying himself as Anderson. In the video, he claims to be a former British Army signalman currently fighting with Ukraine's International Legion. The date and authenticity of the footage have not been independently verified. 

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not explicitly confirmed Anderson’s capture but told media it is “supporting the family of a British man following reports of his detention,” according to the BBC.