A Russian-controlled court in occupied Donetsk has sentenced former British soldier Hayden Davies to 13 years in a maximum-security prison on charges of mercenary activity. The sentencing marks the latest development in Russia’s judicial proceedings against foreign fighters captured in Ukraine.
Davies, reportedly captured in Ukraine’s Donbas region during late 2024 or early 2025 while serving with Ukraine’s international legion, faced trial in what Russian authorities describe as a counter-terrorism proceeding. Prosecutors alleged the British national joined the Ukrainian army in August 2024 and participated in military operations against Russian forces in Donetsk Region.
Court footage released by Russian officials shows a man with a British accent speaking through a translator from within a barred cage, standard procedure in many Russian judicial hearings. The individual identified as Davies stated he traveled to Ukraine via Poland by bus and received a monthly salary of $400-500 for his service. When questioned about his plea, the man acknowledged guilt with a verbal affirmation and nod, though the circumstances under which this admission was made remain unclear.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has previously rejected similar charges against British nationals captured in Ukraine as baseless, maintaining that such individuals qualify as legitimate prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions. The FCDO had specifically condemned the detention of both Davies and another Briton, James Anderson, emphasizing their official status as members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces rather than mercenaries.
This case follows the March sentencing of Anderson to 19 years imprisonment on comparable charges of terrorism and mercenary activity. The 22-year-old previously held the distinction of being the first British national convicted by Russia during the ongoing conflict.
The Russian Prosecutor-General’s office announced the verdict, continuing a pattern of judicial actions against foreign fighters that international observers have questioned for their adherence to international humanitarian standards.