A former British soldier has been sentenced to 13 years in a Russian prison. Hayden Davies was captured while fighting for Ukraine in 2024. A court in Russian-occupied Donetsk ordered the sentence on Monday.
The 30-year-old from Southampton will serve time in a maximum-security penal colony. The court ruled he acted as a “mercenary” for Ukraine. Russian prosecutors claimed he was paid to take part in military operations.
The trial was held in the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic. This is a region of Ukraine illegally occupied by Russia. The UK and most countries do not recognize its authority.
Davies was captured in the winter of 2024. Russian investigators say he entered Ukraine through Poland in August of that year. He reportedly joined Ukraine’s International Defence Legion. They say he received training and weapons before being sent to the front.
Russian state media showed him after his capture. In a heavily edited video, Davies appeared to criticize Ukrainian commanders. He called the pay poor and said the chain of command did not care about soldiers. These statements are widely believed to have been made under pressure.
A Foreign Office spokesman said the UK is supporting his family. The government is aware a British national has been detained by Russia.
Before going to Ukraine, Davies served in the British Army. He was a member of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. He left the military in 2023. He said he was dismissed after being caught using marijuana. Russian propaganda has repeatedly mentioned this detail.
In his past, Davies was known in the UK for different reasons. In 2020, he held what was called the country’s “cheapest wedding.” He married his childhood sweetheart for about £300. As a teenager, he was also praised as a hero. He helped save a woman having an epileptic fit in the street.
His sentencing follows a similar case. Days earlier, a Brazilian man also received 13 years from a Russian court. He was accused of fighting for Ukraine.
Ukraine and its allies condemn these trials. They say Russia is denying prisoners of war their legal rights. They call the court proceedings “sham trials” used for Russian propaganda.