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A video aired on Russian state television on Monday showed two British nationals whom Russia allegedly captured while fighting Ukrainian forces in Mariupol. In the video, the two men demanded their release in exchange for pro-Kremlin politician Viktor Medvedchuk, who was arrested by Ukrainian forces last week.
Around the same time on Monday, Ukraine’s intelligence service released footage of Medvedchuk appealing to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to condemn him against the “defenders of Mariupol” and “residents who are there today and no way.” have to exchange safely via a humanitarian corridor.”
The videos of the duel from Russia and Ukraine have raised questions about the treatment of detainees and prisoners of war nearly two months into the conflict. They also hinted that both sides could set the stage for a potential swap.
It was unclear how freely Medvedchuk, 67, or two British nationals, Shaun Pinner, 48, and Aiden Aslin, 28, spoke in the videos, which appear to have been filmed in custody.
Pinner and Aslin spoke separately in the video asking British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to work on an exchange. At some points they seemed to have been asked to do so by an unknown man.
“I understand that Mr. Medvedchuk has been imprisoned and we are trying to swap myself and Aiden Aslin for Mr. Medvedchuk,” Pinner said. “Of course, I would greatly appreciate your help in this matter and in pushing this agenda forward.”
Russia had previously claimed it was not interested in an exchange as Medvedchuk is not a Russian citizen. He previously headed the pro-Russian opposition platform – For Life Party and is one of the richest people in Ukraine.
Ukrainian authorities announced last week that he was arrested while attempting to flee the country after escaping house arrest. He was arrested last year on treason and terrorist financing charges, which he denies.
Who is Viktor Medvedchuk, the pro-Russian mogul arrested in Ukraine?
Human rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have urged Ukraine to stop posting images and videos of captured Russian soldiers, some of which were taken during their interrogations.
Under the Geneva Conventions, which govern the laws of war, captured prisoners must be treated humanely and not subjected to degrading or degrading treatment.
In a statement Monday, Pinner’s family said they hoped the two men would return home soon and that they were working with the UK Foreign Office and Aslin’s relatives to ensure their rights were respected.
“We want to clarify that he is not a volunteer or a mercenary, but is officially serving in the Ukrainian army in accordance with Ukrainian legislation,” the Guardian newspaper said in a statement.
Pinner moved to Ukraine in 2018 and considered it his adopted home, according to the family. He married a Ukrainian woman and served as a marine.
The surrendered Brit fighting with Ukraine appears to be making an appearance on Russian radio
Aslin joined the Ukraine Marines in 2018 and served in the 36th Marine Brigade in Mariupol, a key battlefield in southeastern Ukraine, his friend Brennan Phillips told The Washington Post last week.
The first video of Aslin in captivity surfaced last week and was also broadcast on Russian television. It showed him handcuffed and with a bruise on his head.
His grandmother Pamela Hall told the BBC: “I never expected that. I thought worst case scenario Aiden would die fighting. Obviously I didn’t want that – I wanted the war to end and for him to go home to his fiancé.”
I work with@FCDOGovUKto establish the whereabouts and secure the release of my constituent, Aiden Aslin.
Aiden decided to risk his life because he passionately believes in the right of the Ukrainian people to live in freedom and democracy. https://t.co/kAv84mH1Wc
— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) April 13, 2022
The Russian footage, which shows two captured Britons, could also put pressure on Johnson to intervene.
Relations between Britain and Russia have been chilly for years but have deteriorated significantly since Moscow invaded Ukraine.
Johnson has become a key ally of Kiev, where he paid a surprise visit earlier this month. walk the streets of the city with Zelensky.
On Saturday, Moscow banned Johnson and other senior British politicians from entering Russia over alleged “unprecedented hostile actions” by Britain over the war in Ukraine.