https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/14/british-man-captured-in-ukraine-reportedly-pictured-beaten-and-handcuffed
British man captured in Ukraine reportedly pictured beaten and handcuffed
Diplomats working to find Aiden Aslin, who was forced to surrender to Russian troops with his unit in Mariupol
UK diplomats are working to determine the whereabouts of British nationals in Ukraine amid reports a man from Nottinghamshire has been captured by pro-Moscow forces while serving with the Ukrainian military.
Aiden Aslin, who is from Newark and has been fighting in the besieged city of Mariupol, was forced to surrender with his comrades earlier this week after they ran out of food and ammunition.
An image that purported to show a beaten, bruised and handcuffed Aslin was posted on a Twitter account belonging to him on Thursday afternoon. A message accompanying it – apparently written by a third party controlling the account – read: “Just got this, it looks as if they have gotten ahold of Aiden.” It claimed those holding Aslin had “worked him over” and vowed to keep his case “in the public eye every day until he’s exchanged”.
A later message added: “Some people have asked why he should get special coverage when there are so many prisoners. I have no answer for you, but I have a friend in danger so I’m using the tools he gave me to help.”
Foreign Office sources said they were working to verify reports about British nationals caught up in fighting in Ukraine after the picture emerged. Officials said that, given the situation in Ukraine, their ability to obtain information and provide consular services on the ground was severely limited. They added that they expected any detainees to be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law.
After the news emerged, Aslin’s local MP Robert Jenrick said he was working with the Foreign Office to “track the whereabouts and secure the release of my constituent, Aiden Aslin. Aiden chose to risk his life because he believes passionately in the Ukrainian people’s right to live in freedom and democracy”.
Aslin’s mother, Ang Wood previously told the BBC her son’s unit had “put up one hell of a fight”, but had been left with no choice but to surrender because they had “no weapons left”. She called on Boris Johnson to find a way to “take Putin down”.
In a Facebook post on Monday, the last Ukrainian soldiers defending Mariupol said they were “running out of ammunition” and expected to be killed or taken prisoner very soon.
“We were bombed from airplanes and shot at by artillery and tanks. We have been doing everything possible and impossible. But any resource has the potential to run out,” said the 36th brigade.