The court in the Kursk region found Anderson guilty on March 5, 2025, after a three-day closed military trial.

Anderson is accused of committing 'crimes against civilians', although specific details of these allegations were not provided.

Anderson was arrested in the Kursk region of Russia in November 2024 and reportedly confessed to fighting for Ukraine mainly for financial reasons.

Former captive Shaun Pinner has warned that fair trials do not exist in Russia, highlighting the lack of proper defense for foreign fighters.

Russia classifies foreign fighters in Ukraine as 'mercenaries', allowing prosecution under its criminal code without the protections of the Geneva Conventions.

The UK government condemned the charges against Anderson as false, asserting that he is being prosecuted for participating in hostilities as a prisoner of war, which violates international law.

The UK Foreign Office is in contact with Anderson's family and is providing consular support, emphasizing the need for Russia to adhere to the Geneva Conventions regarding the treatment of prisoners of war.

James Scott Rhys Anderson, a 22-year-old British citizen, was sentenced to 19 years in prison by a Russian military court for fighting for the Ukrainian army, charged with 'terrorism' and 'mercenarism.'

As part of his sentence, Anderson will serve 15 years in a high-security penal colony following five years in a standard prison.

He reportedly received $400 a month as a mercenary and was paid $60 a day during missions.

British diplomats are actively pursuing efforts to secure Anderson's release, similar to previous exchanges of foreign nationals.

Anderson's father expressed fears for his son's safety in captivity and mentioned that he had pleaded with him not to go to Ukraine.