A British man fighting for Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine has reportedly sustained severe injuries after an artillery strike hit his vehicle.
Ross McElvenny, a 25-year-old from Glasgow, who has been involved with Russia’s 1099th Motorised Rifle Regiment, is now in a hospital in Rostov-on-Don.
War correspondent Yuri Kotenok confirmed McElvenny’s injuries, which include the loss of an eye and significant damage to his chest and leg.
McElvenny’s Social Media Update
Known by his callsign “Whisky” and previously using the name “Scotlandetz” in pro-Russian circles, McElvenny shared a brief update with his followers on social media.
He expressed gratitude to his friends and the volunteer networks for their support.
“I am currently recovering in hospital after being wounded while fighting near Donetsk,” he wrote.
“I’m in positive spirits and have plenty of support from friends, as well as some much-needed coffee after a long time without it.”
McElvenny also thanked the medical staff for their hard work and appreciated the kind messages he has received from people he knows.
Leaked Documents Reveal Military Service Details
Further details about McElvenny’s role as a volunteer in Russia’s military were revealed through leaked documents.
These documents, which appeared on Telegram, suggest McElvenny joined Russia’s armed forces on August 10, 2024, and is currently serving as a private in the Russian army.
His monthly pay is reported to be 13,318 roubles, which is approximately £105.70.
Legal Troubles Await McElvenny
McElvenny’s situation is complicated by his lack of Russian citizenship.
According to Kotenok, he entered Russia on a tourist visa, which could result in his expulsion following his injuries.
Since he is a British citizen, he could face legal repercussions for his involvement in the conflict, as the UK’s Foreign Enlistment Act of 1870 prohibits British citizens from fighting for foreign states at war with another country with which the UK is at peace.
Violating this law could lead to fines and imprisonment.
Security Concerns in the UK
There are additional concerns for McElvenny back home in the UK.
UK security services have reportedly already raided his parents’ home, and McElvenny faces potential legal action if he returns to the UK, where he could be imprisoned for his role in the conflict.
Russia’s Military Advances in Ukraine
Meanwhile, the conflict on the ground continues to evolve.
Russia is intensifying its efforts to reclaim territory in Ukraine’s Kursk region, with Ukraine’s top commander, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, confirming a significant buildup of Russian forces.
Russia’s goal is to push Ukrainian forces out of this region, which it lost earlier this year.
According to reports, Russia has assembled a force of around 50,000 troops, including soldiers from North Korea, to launch an offensive.
Syrskyi highlighted that Russia’s push in Kursk is a diversion, aimed at relieving pressure on other fronts in eastern Ukraine, including Pokrovsk, Kurakhiv, and Toretsk.
Despite this, Ukraine remains resilient, continuing to disrupt Russia’s strategic plans with operations such as the one launched into Kursk in August, where they captured several settlements.
As the situation in Ukraine remains fluid, McElvenny’s case serves as a stark reminder of the complex legal and humanitarian issues facing foreign volunteers in a war that has already claimed thousands of lives.
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