British Volunteer James Anderson Sentenced to 19 Years in Russia on “Terrorism” Charges

A Russian military court in Kursk sentenced James Scott Rhys Anderson, a 22-year-old British citizen, to 19 years in prison on charges of terrorism and mercenary activities, the Joint Press Service of the Judicial System of the Kursk region reported on March 5.

Anderson, who reportedly fought alongside Ukraine’s military, was accused of illegally crossing into Russia’s Kursk region in November 2024, where he was captured. Russian authorities claim he committed unspecified crimes against civilians, though no details were provided.

The 2nd Western District Military Court sentenced Anderson to five years in prison, followed by strict-regime penal colony incarceration for the remainder of his term.

The trial was held behind closed doors, and a Ukrainian soldier who served in the same unit as Anderson was called as a witness. Russian court officials claim Anderson pleaded guilty, though independent verification of his statements remains impossible. Prosecutors had requested a 20-year sentence.

Anderson, a former British Army private (2019–2023), reportedly joined Ukraine’s International Legion after losing his civilian job. In a video released by Russian state media, he stated that he was inspired to join Ukraine’s fight after watching news reports.

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War in Ukraine

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His father expressed fears that Anderson is being tortured, while The Guardian noted that his case appears to be the first known instance of a Western soldier being captured on Russian soil.

A British national fighting for Ukraine was captured by Russian forces in Russia’s Kursk region in November 2024. In a video which began circulating online in Russian Telegram channels on November 24, a man in military uniform with bound hands identifies himself as 22-year-old James Scott Rhys Anderson.

The man, speaking in a British accent, states he formerly served as a signalman in the British army before joining the International Legion in Ukraine to fight against Russia.

Earlier, reports emerged that former UK Member of Parliament Jack Lopresti joined Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

Lopresti, previously a Conservative MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke in Gloucestershire, has been living in Ukraine and contributing his expertise to support the country’s defense efforts.

In November 2024, he applied to join Ukraine’s International Legion, a unit formed of foreign volunteers aiding Ukraine.