Kathrine Frich
Leaving home to participate in a foreign conflict brings severe personal and legal consequences.
The decision often completely destroys family bonds and lifelong friendships. For one specific individual, returning to his birth country is no longer an option.
Choosing a side
A former antiques dealer from Oldham recently shared his controversial story with the British media.
Fifty year old Ben Stimson signed a military contract with Moscow in 2024.
He spent over a year working within the Russian armed forces during the ongoing invasion.
According to Sky News cited by Express, he recently secured full Russian citizenship as a direct reward for his active combat service.
Despite his controversial actions, the British national strongly rejects any accusations of treason.
Defending his choices
“I have not seen any declaration of war from either side, so I’m not a traitor,” Stimson told Sky News. He emphasized his ongoing connection to his homeland during the interview.
“Britain is the land of my birth, I’m not a traitor. I’ve still got a lot of friends in Britain, I still got family in Britain,” he stated.
However, he did acknowledge the political reality of his situation.
“I’m not a traitor to the British people,” he claimed, before adding, “maybe to the British Government I’m a traitor”.
Far from the front
During his deployment, the recruit reportedly worked as an engineer and an instructor for other English speakers. He insisted he stayed far away from actual combat zones in the third line.
“I can guarantee you I’ve killed nobody,” he told the broadcaster.
The former dealer refused to call the conflict a war, choosing instead to use Kremlin approved terminology. He repeatedly referred to the massive invasion as “the special military operation”.
A high price
His dedication to the foreign military comes at a massive personal cost.
His relatives in the United Kingdom severed all ties with him, and his family reportedly faces severe death threats.
When asked if the Russian cause was worth losing his family, he did not hesitate. “As a principled man, yes,” he responded.
The UK Government maintains strict rules against participating in this overseas conflict. Authorities explicitly warn that anyone fighting for foreign forces could be prosecuted immediately upon returning home.
Sources: Daily Express, Sky News
