Table of Contents
- Sentence Overview
- Court Details
- Accusations Against Davies
- Trial Information
- Media Reporting
- Latest Updates
A British man has been sentenced to 13 years in a Russian prison after a Moscow-installed court in eastern Ukraine accused him of serving as a mercenary for Kyiv.
The so-called supreme court in the occupied Donetsk region convicted Hayden Davies, a British citizen who was captured last year, and mandated that he serve his sentence in a maximum-security penal colony.
Hayden Davies was convicted by a Moscow-installed court in eastern UkraineCredit: Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation
Former British army soldier Hayden William Davies, 30, born in Southampton, featured in a Russian propaganda video after being captured during the war while fighting for Ukraine in the Donetsk regionCredit: East2West
The court asserted that Davies, 30, had “participated as a mercenary in an armed conflict” on behalf of Ukraine and stated that he received compensation for his involvement in military operations.
According to the prosecutor’s statement, Davies was convicted under Russian criminal law regarding mercenary activity.
The trial was conducted under the authority of Russia’s self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, an entity not recognized by the UK, Ukraine, or the majority of the international community.
Russian state-aligned outlet REN TV reported that the Brit surrendered to Russian forces in 2024 after allegedly traveling to Ukraine through Poland and joining the International Defence Legion.
Investigators claimed he underwent military training, received weapons, and fought in the Donetsk region against Russian and Russia-backed forces.
More updates to follow… For the latest news on this story, continue checking back at The Sun Online.
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What was Hayden Davies accused of?
Hayden Davies was accused of participating as a mercenary in an armed conflict on behalf of Ukraine and receiving payment for his military operations.
What sentence was handed down to Hayden Davies?
He was sentenced to 13 years in a maximum-security penal colony.
Which court convicted Hayden Davies?
The conviction was made by a court in the occupied Donetsk region, which is recognized by Russia but not by the UK, Ukraine, or most of the international community.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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