Reports on Monday revealed that Russia's military has captured a British national who was fighting alongside Ukrainian troops in the occupied part of Russia's Kursk region. The individual, identified as James Scott Rhys Anderson, reportedly served as a signalman in the British army for four years before joining the International Legion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces are currently facing a significant challenge in holding off Russia's advancing army in the eastern Donetsk region. According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russian forces have been making quicker gains along the front line compared to the previous year, exploiting weaknesses in Ukrainian defenses.
As the conflict in Ukraine entered its 1,000th day last week, hostilities escalated with Russia launching daylight drone attacks on civilian areas. The Russian military has adapted its drone tactics, firing 145 Shahed drones at Ukraine, with a shift towards daytime attacks.
Despite the increased drone activity, Ukraine's air force managed to intercept most of the drones before they caused harm. However, a missile strike on downtown Kharkiv resulted in injuries to at least 23 people, with the attack attributed to a modified surface-to-air S-400 missile.
The captured British national, serving as an instructor for Ukrainian troops, was reportedly deployed to the Kursk region against his will. His father expressed concerns for his son's safety, fearing potential mistreatment as a prisoner of war.
The International Legion for Defense of Ukraine, established at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following Russia's invasion in February 2022, comprises foreign volunteers supporting Ukraine's Ground Forces. The Legion is part of Ukraine's efforts to bolster its military with international assistance.
Foreign fighters from various countries have joined Ukrainian military units to aid in defending the country against Russian aggression. The exact number of foreign volunteers in Ukraine's military remains undisclosed.
For more updates on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, visit AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine.
