On November 26, Russian authorities confirmed the detention of James Scott Rhys Anderson, a British citizen who had been fighting for Ukraine in Russia's Kursk Oblast.
According to the Kyiv Independent, the Russian Investigative Committee has accused Anderson of "terrorism" and "mercenarism," continuing its practice of targeting foreign volunteers captured during the conflict.
A video reportedly featuring Anderson appeared on Telegram on November 24.
In the footage, a man speaking with an English accent identifies himself as Anderson, a 22-year-old former British Army signalman who joined Ukraine’s International Legion.
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Russia frequently characterizes foreign fighters supporting Ukraine as "mercenaries," arguing they are not protected under international law as prisoners of war.
Scott Anderson, the detainee's father, expressed his distress to the Daily Mail after seeing the video sent by his son’s commander. "I immediately recognized him. He looked terrified and deeply worried," Anderson said, fearing his son could face torture while imprisoned.
This incident echoes previous cases, such as the 2022 capture of Britons Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner in Mariupol. Both men were sentenced to death before eventually being freed in a prisoner swap.
Meanwhile, in Kursk Oblast, Russian forces have increased their efforts to push back Ukrainian troops. According to a Nov. 23 report from Reuters, Ukraine has lost over 40% of the territory it had previously gained in the region since August.
