A former British Army soldier captured while fighting for Ukraine has been sentenced to 13 years imprisonment by a Russian proxy court, sparking condemnation from the United Kingdom.
From Southampton to a Strict Regime Colony
Hayden William Davies, 30, from Southampton, was tried in the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, a region of Ukraine under Russian occupation. The court labelled him a 'mercenary' and ruled he will serve his lengthy sentence in a 'strict regime penal colony' on Russian territory.
The court stated that Davies arrived in Ternopil, Ukraine, in August 2024 and signed a contract with the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine. After receiving military training and being issued a firearm, he participated in hostilities against Russian forces in the Donetsk region.
Capture, 'Confession', and Concerning Health
Davies was captured by Russian forces in the Donetsk region in the winter of 2024. During the court proceedings, when asked if he pleaded guilty, he replied simply, 'Yes'.
Disturbing reports indicate a visible decline in his health since his capture. He appears to have a growth on his left eyelid which has grown larger and has reportedly not been treated by Russian medical personnel.
In a video released by Russian military channels after his capture, Davies claimed he was dismissed from the British Army in 2023 for 'smoking marijuana' and subsequently decided to fight for Ukraine. Russian state media TASS reported he was moved to Moscow for investigations and forensic examinations.
UK Condemns 'Political' Prosecution
The British government has forcefully rejected the charges and the court's legitimacy. Ankur Narayan, the UK's Politico-Military Counsellor to the OSCE, stated unequivocally that Davies and fellow detainee James Anderson are not mercenaries.
'They are Prisoners of War,' Narayan said. 'Ukraine has confirmed that both are members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They must be provided all the rights and protections afforded to Prisoners of War under the Geneva Conventions.'
Britain has accused Russia of exploiting the men 'for political and propaganda purposes'. This accusation is underscored by the propagandistic use of Davies's video statements, in which he levelled accusations against Ukrainian commanders—claims that closely mirror those typically directed at Russian forces.
According to TASS, Davies served 13 years in the British Army, with postings in Germany, Cyprus, Canada, and Afghanistan, and was a specialist in operating Javelin anti-tank missile systems. His case remains a focal point in the ongoing diplomatic and informational conflict between the UK and Russia.
