A man from the UK who has joined forces with Russian troops under Vladimir Putin’s command in the conflict against Ukraine has defended his actions in an interview. Ben Stimson, previously an antiques dealer from Oldham, made the decision to fight for Russia in 2024 after serving time for a terrorism-related offense following his involvement with the “pro-Moscow militia” in Ukraine’s Donbas region in 2014.

Stimson, speaking to a correspondent from Sky News in Moscow, expressed his connection to the ethnic Russian population in Donbas and his motivation to protect them. He emphasized that while he might be considered a traitor by the British government, he believed he was not betraying the British people without a proper declaration of war from the UK or Russia, noting that he still had friends in Britain.

The report disclosed that Stimson had enlisted in the Russian military and had served as an engineer and later as an instructor for English-speaking recruits. When asked about the number of British individuals serving in the Russian military, he hinted that it was more than commonly thought.

Stimson maintained his stance that his actions were justified, describing himself as a soldier who believed in the righteousness of his decisions. He acknowledged the uncertainty of whether the military operations were right or wrong, leaving history to pass judgment.

In 2024, Stimson signed a contract with the Russian military, confirming his service for over a year but clarified that he was not in direct combat. He clarified that he was positioned as “third line,” away from the front lines, and asserted that he had not caused any fatalities.

Having acquired Russian citizenship recently, Stimson faces potential arrest upon returning to the UK due to the government’s warning against traveling to Russia to participate in the conflict, which could lead to prosecution under UK laws. Despite his relatives cutting off communication with him since he joined the Russian cause, Stimson expressed readiness to bear the consequences as a man of principles.