UK Condemns Russia's Sentencing of British Ex-Soldier

James Scott Rhys Anderson, a 22-year-old British national and former British Army soldier, has been sentenced to 19 years in a Russian prison for fighting on behalf of Ukraine in Russia's Kursk region. Captured in November, Anderson was accused of terrorism and mercenary activities, with Russian authorities alleging he crossed into Russia armed and caused significant harm to property and civilians. The trial was held behind closed doors, and Anderson reportedly pleaded guilty, although UK officials have condemned the charges as false and demanded his treatment as a prisoner of war. Anderson will serve the first five years of his sentence in prison, followed by time in a penal colony. The UK Foreign Office has called on Russia to adhere to international laws regarding the treatment of prisoners of war. Anderson's case follows Russia's stance on prosecuting foreign fighters in Ukraine, considering them mercenaries rather than combatants protected under the Geneva Conventions.