Briton who fought in Ukraine jailed for 13 years by Russia

[ad_1] A Briton who fought in Ukraine has been sentenced to 13 years in a maximum-security jail, the Russian Prosecutor-Basic's workplace has stated.

Hayden Davies, a former British soldier who Russia has referred to as a mercenary, was reportedly captured in Ukraine's Donbas area in late 2024 or early 2025 whereas serving with the nation's overseas legion.

He was tried in a Russian-controlled court docket within the metropolis of Donetsk, which is at the moment occupied by Moscow.

The UK International, Commonwealth & Growth Workplace (FCDO) stated it strongly condemned the sentencing of Mr Davies "on false costs", including he was a prisoner of warfare.

It stated: "We stay in shut contact with Mr Davies' household and are offering consular assist."

The FCDO stated that below worldwide legislation, prisoners of warfare can't be prosecuted for collaborating in hostilities.

It added: "We demand that Russia respect these obligations, together with these below the Geneva Conventions, and cease utilizing prisoners of warfare for political and propaganda functions."

In a press release, Russian prosecutors stated Mr Davies joined the Ukrainian military in August 2024 and "took half in army operations towards the Russian armed forces on the territory of [Donetsk Region]".

In court docket footage launched by prosecutors, a person with a British accent speaks through a translator from inside a barred cage, which is normal observe for a lot of Russian hearings.

The person stated he was a member of the Ukrainian Military's overseas legion and travelled to Ukraine by bus through Poland.

He stated he was paid $400 (£300) or $500 a month as a wage. When requested if he pleaded responsible to the cost, the person stated "yeah" and nodded his head.

It's not clear whether or not he was talking below duress.

Earlier this yr, the FCDO additionally criticised the case introduced towards James Anderson, one other Briton captured combating with Ukraine forces, after he was jailed for 19 years for terrorism and mercenary exercise.