Hayden Davies, a 30-year-old British national, has received a heavy sentence in Russian-controlled Donetsk. A court sentenced him to 13 years in a maximum-security prison camp.
The court convicted Davies of acting as a “paid mercenary” for Ukraine. The Russian Prosecutor General announced the verdict on Thursday. Consequently, this marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic battle over foreign volunteers captured on the frontline.
The Charges and “Confession”
Prosecutors released video footage of Davies behind bars. He appeared with a shaven head and wore a heavy black coat.
In the clip, Davies states that he traveled to Ukraine to enlist in the International Legion. This unit of the Ukrainian armed forces consists of foreign volunteers.
Key details from the video include:
- Compensation: Davies mentioned receiving a monthly stipend of approximately $400 to $500.
- The Plea: When pressed on whether he pleaded guilty, Davies nodded and replied, “Yeah.”
However, it remains unclear if he made this statement under duress.
According to the prosecution’s timeline, Davies arrived in western Ukraine in August 2024. He signed a contract and underwent military training. Subsequently, he deployed to the Donetsk region to fight against Russian forces. Russian troops captured him later that winter, allegedly while he possessed a U.S.-manufactured assault rifle.
Diplomatic Dispute: Mercenary or POW?
The conviction strikes at the heart of a contentious issue between Moscow and London.
Russia classifies foreign fighters as mercenaries. They use this designation to deny them standard combatant protections. However, the British government vehemently rejects this label.
Earlier this year, London declared that Davies is a Prisoner of War (POW). They argue he is entitled to full protection under the Geneva Conventions. Furthermore, UK officials have accused the Kremlin of exploiting detainees for political leverage and propaganda.
Currently, there is no immediate comment from the British Foreign Office regarding Thursday’s sentencing.
Background
British media reports indicate that Davies is originally from Southampton. He is also a veteran of the British Army and is reported to be married.
His sentencing follows a similar case in March. Another British national, James Scott Rhys Anderson, was jailed for 19 years. A Russian court found him guilty of fighting in the Kursk region.
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