A Russian military court in Kursk has sentenced 22-year-old British citizen James Scott Rhys Anderson to 19 years in prison on charges of terrorism and mercenary activities, according to the Joint Press Service of the Judicial System of the Kursk Region on March 5.
Capture and Trial
Anderson, who allegedly fought alongside Ukrainian forces, was captured in November 2024 after reportedly crossing into Russia’s Kursk region. Russian authorities accuse him of committing crimes against civilians, though no specific details have been disclosed.
The 2nd Western District Military Court ruled that Anderson would serve five years in prison, followed by the remainder of his sentence in a strict-regime penal colony.
The trial took place behind closed doors, with a Ukrainian soldier from Anderson’s unit testifying as a witness. Russian court officials stated that Anderson pleaded guilty, though independent verification remains impossible.
Prosecutors had initially sought a 20-year sentence.
Allegations
A former British Army private who served from 2019 to 2023, Anderson is said to have joined Ukraine’s International Legion after losing his civilian job. In a video released by Russian state media, he claimed he was motivated to enlist after watching news coverage of the war.
His father has voiced concerns that Anderson may be facing torture, while The Guardian suggested his case could be the first known instance of a Western soldier being captured on Russian soil.
Anderson’s capture was first revealed in late November 2024, when footage circulating on Russian Telegram channels showed a man in military gear with his hands bound.
Speaking in a British accent, he identified himself as Anderson and described his prior service as a signalman in the British Army before joining Ukraine’s foreign volunteer unit.
Growing Western Presence in Ukraine’s Armed Forces
Separately, reports have surfaced that former UK Member of Parliament Jack Lopresti has enlisted in Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Lopresti, formerly a Conservative MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke in Gloucestershire, has been living in Ukraine and contributing his expertise to the country’s defense efforts.
In November 2024, he officially applied to join Ukraine’s International Legion, a unit composed of foreign volunteers supporting Ukraine’s military.
