Briton who fought in Ukraine jailed for 13 years by Russia

A British man who fought in Ukraine has been sentenced to 13 years in a maximum-security prison, according to the Russian Prosecutor-General's office.

Hayden Davies, identified by Russia as a mercenary and a former British soldier, was reportedly captured in the Donbas region of Ukraine in late 2024 or early 2025. He was serving with Ukraine's foreign legion at the time.

Davies was tried in a Russian-controlled court located in Donetsk, a city currently occupied by Moscow.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has been asked for comment. Previously, the FCDO has described the charges against Davies and another captured Briton as "false," asserting they were prisoners of war.

Earlier this year, the FCDO issued a statement condemning the detention of both Davies and James Anderson, emphasizing that they are not mercenaries but prisoners of war. The FCDO stated that Ukraine had confirmed both men were members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and, as such, must be afforded all rights and protections under the Geneva Conventions.

Russian prosecutors stated that Davies joined the Ukrainian army in August 2024 and participated in military operations against Russian armed forces within the Donetsk region.

Court footage released by the prosecutors shows a man with a British accent speaking through a translator from inside a barred cage, a common practice in Russian court hearings. The man stated he was a member of the Ukrainian Army's foreign legion and had traveled to Ukraine by bus via Poland. He also said he received a monthly salary of $400 to $500. When asked if he pleaded guilty, the man nodded and said "yeah."

It remains unclear whether he spoke under duress.

James Anderson was previously sentenced to 19 years in March on charges of terrorism and mercenary activity. Anderson, 22, was the first British national convicted by Russia during the conflict.