Former British Soldier Captured by Russian Forces While Fighting for Ukraine

James Scott Rhys Anderson, 22, was reportedly detained in the Kursk region, marking a rare case of a Western national captured on Russian soil.

James Scott Rhys Anderson, a former British Army signalman, was captured by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine in the Kursk region, according to reports from Russian state media.
Videos released on Russian Telegram channels show Anderson under interrogation, where he detailed his military background and expressed regret for joining Ukraine's International Legion.
The UK government has confirmed it is supporting Anderson's family and vowed to provide assistance, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy briefed on the case.
Anderson’s capture is believed to be the first publicly known instance of a Western fighter being detained inside Russia during the conflict, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.
Russia has historically denied prisoner-of-war protections to foreign fighters, raising concerns about Anderson’s treatment and safety during his detention.