A British former soldier, Hayden Davies, has been sentenced to 13 years in a maximum-security prison by a Russian-controlled court, the Russian Prosecutor-General’s office confirmed. Davies, originally from Southampton, fought with Ukraine’s foreign legion in the Donbas region and was reportedly captured in late 2024 or early 2025.

Russian Court Labels Davies a Mercenary

The trial took place in Donetsk, a city currently under Russian occupation. Russian prosecutors accused Davies of joining the Ukrainian army in August 2024 and participating in military operations against Russian forces in the Donetsk region. Russian state media released footage of Davies in a barred cage, speaking through a translator and confirming he had joined the Ukrainian army via bus from Poland.

According to court statements, Davies reportedly received a salary of $400–$500 per month while serving. When asked whether he pleaded guilty, he nodded in agreement, although it is unclear whether his statement was made under duress.

UK Government Condemns Sentence

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) strongly condemned the sentencing, describing the charges as false and asserting that Davies is a prisoner of war under international law. The FCDO emphasized that prisoners of war cannot be prosecuted for participating in hostilities under the Geneva Conventions.

A statement from the FCDO read:

“We demand that Russia respect these obligations, including those under the Geneva Conventions, and stop using prisoners of war for political and propaganda purposes.”

The UK government also confirmed it remains in close contact with Davies’ family and is providing consular support during his imprisonment.

Context: Other British Nationals Captured

Davies’ case follows similar prosecutions of British volunteers fighting in Ukraine. Earlier in 2025, James Anderson, another British national, was jailed for 19 years by Russian authorities for alleged terrorism and mercenary activity. Anderson, 22, was the first British citizen convicted by Russia during the ongoing war.

Both cases have drawn international condemnation, with advocates highlighting that foreign volunteers serving in Ukraine should be treated as prisoners of war rather than criminals.

The Broader Implications

The sentencing of Davies underscores the risks faced by foreign volunteers in Ukraine, particularly in regions occupied by Russian forces. Experts warn that Russia has increasingly used prisoners for propaganda purposes and to advance political narratives surrounding the war.

The UK government continues to press for Davies’ release and calls on Russia to respect international legal obligations regarding prisoners of war.