Ukraine war: Russia interrogates British ‘mercenary’ who surrendered in Mariupol on television

According to the New York Post, British fighter Aiden Aslin, 27, was handcuffed in a photo posted on a pro-Kremlin Twitter account. In the photo, Aslin is called “the British mercenary who fought for Ukraine in Mariupol”.

The Nottinghamshire-born man, the first British prisoner of war in the Ukraine war, appeared on Russian state television on April 14. On television, Aslin was questioned as to whether he was responsible for any of the murders in Mariupol.

“I do not know anything. I didn’t participate in any battles,” Aslin replied nervously in English.

One of Aslin’s friends later confirmed to the Telegraph that the person appearing on Russian state television was Aiden Aslin – a UK citizen. Aslin joined the Ukrainian marines in 2018 after moving to Ukraine to live with his fiancée. As a full-fledged member, Aslin is not believed to be a mercenary, according to the New York Post.

Before surrendering to Russian forces on Tuesday, Aslin is said to have publicly shared the situation in Mariupol and explained why he had to surrender to Russian forces on Twitter.

“It has been 48 days. We tried our best to defend Mariupol but we had no choice but to surrender to the Russian forces. We have no food and no ammunition. I hope this war ends soon,” Aslin said.

The Kremlin announced on April 12 that 1,026 Ukrainian marines, including 162 officers, had surrendered, unable to withstand successful attacks by the Russian armed forces and Republican militia units. Self-proclaimed Donetsk People – refers to pro-Russian separatist forces.