Two British men have been identified as fighting alongside Vladimir Putin’s forces in the Donbas region.
Ben Stimson and Aiden Minnis have aligned themselves with Russia, displaying a brazen disregard for their own country.
In a series of videos, originally uncovered by the Daily Mirror, Ben Stimson, clad in military fatigues with a Russian flag displayed prominently, unashamedly said: “Yes, yes, I’m back in Russia, I’m back in uniform.” He goes on to brandish an unexploded grenade shell used by Ukrainian forces, callously joking: “We’ve got some British taxpayers’ returns.”
In another video, Stimson unequivocally states his allegiance to Russia, proclaiming: “Every man takes his choice… a lot of us, the foreign volunteers, have chosen to come over to this side, to the Russian side.”
His close associate, Aiden Minnis, a former National Front member and convicted criminal, now identifies as a “sapper in the Russian army”.
Colonel Richard Kemp, a former British Army commander, condemned the duo as “traitors” who should face legal repercussions upon their return to the UK.
Stimson, who previously served time for terrorism offences related to his involvement with Russian-backed separatists in 2015, has once again ventured into the conflict zone.
Despite his past denials of combat involvement, Stimson now admits to participating in the Battle of Debaltseve in 2015. His actions have drawn sharp criticism from authorities and the public alike.
Stimson’s father has disowned him, expressing exasperation at his son’s choices.
Aiden Minnis, who has a history of drug abuse and criminal behaviour, espouses admiration for Putin and aligns himself with Russian ideals.
His past violent offences and extremist affiliations paint a troubling picture of his character.
These individuals, who flout the law and betray their own nation, face severe consequences upon their return. The Foreign Enlistment Act of 1870 prohibits joining the armed forces of a country at war with Britain, and anti-terror legislation may also be invoked against them.
Their actions have sparked outrage and disbelief, with calls for accountability and justice resonating across the UK.
