James Scott Rhys Anderson
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his (a) Ukrainian and (b) Russian counterpart on the release of James Scott Rhys Anderson.
Answered by Stephen Doughty
The Ukrainian authorities have confirmed British national James Anderson was serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, meaning he holds Prisoner of War (PoW) status. Ukraine holds responsibility for engagement on any members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who are captured and held as PoWs, regardless of their nationality. This includes negotiating with Russia on prisoner exchanges. The UK regularly raises Mr Anderson's case with our Ukrainian partners. We have been clear to the Russian authorities that Mr. Anderson must be treated as a PoW, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. We remain in close contact with Mr Anderson's family and are providing consular support.
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