Russia: Brit fighting in Ukraine says Putin’s forces recruiting ‘English speakers’ | World | News
A UK mercenary fighting for Vladimir Putin’s army in Ukraine is encouraging more Brits to join him, in a video posted to a Telegram social media channel.
Ben Stimson, 48, has fought for pro-Russian forces in Ukraine since 2015, as Kremlin proxies attempted to seize territory in the Donbas.
He was jailed for five years and four months at Manchester Crown Court in 2017, after returning to the UK.
At the time, Stimson admitted intending to commit acts of terrorism and engaging in their preparation.
He has since returned to eastern Ukraine and has now appeared in a recruitment video for Putin’s brutal army.
Stimson said anyone under the age of 60 can sign up, and provided a guide on volunteering with Russian forces.
He explained how to avoid being detained at UK airports when heading to Russia, and how to find recruitment centres once there.
“Usually after signing [up] you are sent right away to basic training,” Stimson said, adding that the training usually lasts one month.
He said that the Russians provide English-speaking instructors, but recommended learning some Russian to be able to better communicate with fellow fighters.
Responding to comments from people expressing interest in joining up, he said that “as long as you don’t turn up drunk/on drugs and are reasonably healthy you’ll get in if you’re under 60”.
Stimson said that he himself does not serve in an “assault unit”, but one that guards a “defensive line”.
Originally from Oldham, Stimson said he comes from a Left-wing family and is an admirer of George Galloway, leader of the Workers Party of Great Britain.
He claimed he would have voted for Nigel Farage and Reform UK if Mr Galloway’s party had not been on the ballot paper.
Stimson announced his return to the Donbas after his release from prison in a YouTube video.
He said: “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 father told the BBC he was horrified by his son’s decision and had cut off all contact with him.
Martin Stimson said: “I have no control over him, he’s a 48-year-old man.”
