Russian law enforcement announced on Monday that James Scott Rhys Anderson, a 22-year-old British man, is facing serious charges, including terrorism and operating as a mercenary, after being captured while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces in the southwestern Kursk region. Anderson was detained in November and is currently in custody in Russia.
The Russian Investigative Committee, which handles major criminal cases, stated that their investigation confirmed Anderson’s involvement in the armed conflict on Russian soil for material gain. He is accused of being part of an organized group responsible for significant property damage and for operating as a mercenary in the ongoing conflict.
Anderson faces two main charges: the first, for committing a terrorist act, could lead to a prison sentence of up to 20 years. The second charge, for mercenary activity, carries an additional 15-year sentence. Russian authorities have accused Anderson of illegally crossing into Russia with arms and causing substantial harm to property and civilians, destabilizing local government activities.
Captured late last year, Anderson appeared in several videos released by Russian officials, filmed with his hands tied and in a prison uniform with a shaved head. In one of these videos, Anderson explained that he had joined Ukraine’s International Legion after being dismissed from the British army. He revealed that he was paid $400 a month, with additional compensation for combat missions.
Russia often labels foreigners who join Ukraine’s military efforts as “mercenaries,” allowing them to be prosecuted under Russia’s criminal laws instead of being granted prisoner-of-war status, which would typically offer protection under the Geneva Convention.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy expressed the UK’s commitment to providing Anderson with full consular assistance. This case follows a pattern seen in 2022 when two British nationals captured fighting for Ukraine were sentenced to death in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine but were later released in a prisoner swap.