Russian forces claim capture of British mercenary in Kursk

Russian forces claim to have captured a British mercenary fighting alongside the Ukrainian army in the Kursk region, which remains partially under Kyiv’s control, a security source told RIA, Russia’s state news agency.

Details

The individual identified himself as James Scott Rhys Anderson, according to the Russian source.
A video circulating on pro-war Russian Telegram channels shows a man with a beard, hands tied behind his back, and wearing military clothing. In the video, the man states in English that he previously served in the British army.
Reuters has not independently verified the video or the claims made by RIA and other Russian outlets.

British Foreign Office (AA Photo)

UK’s response

The British Foreign Office has not commented on the reports as of now.
The BBC reported earlier that the foreign office is “supporting the family of a British man following reports of his detention.”

Broader context

Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into the Russian border region of Kursk in August and still control parts of it.
Kyiv acknowledged over the weekend that it has lost more than 40% of the territory it initially captured as Russian counter-assaults intensify.

Why it matters?

The alleged capture of a British mercenary adds a new dimension to the conflict, further highlighting the international scope of fighters involved and potentially straining U.K.-Russia relations amid the ongoing war.

November 25, 2024 10:28 AM GMT+03:00