Aiden Aslin’s loved ones urge Russia to adhere to international laws and humane treatment

The family of a British soldier believed to have been captured by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine have called on Vladimir Putin to ensure he is “treated humanely.” Aiden Aslin, 28, originally from Nottinghamshire, had been resisting in Mariupol for 48 days before surrendering to Russian troops.

Images shared on Russian television appeared to show Aslin, handcuffed with a visible cut on his forehead, as a prisoner of war. His mother, Ang Wood, confirmed his identity after recognising his distinctive tattoos. She called on the Kremlin to follow the Geneva Convention and for the British Government to intervene in securing her son’s release. “I love my son. He is my hero. They put up one hell of a fight,” she told The Telegraph.

Ms Wood added that her son had shared with her that his unit had run out of weapons and supplies, which led to their surrender. “They have no food and no ammunition,” said a recent post from Aslin’s Twitter account, which is currently being managed by a friend.

His grandmother, Pamela Hall, expressed her hopes for his safety and fair treatment under international law. “All the guys should be treated as prisoners of war according to the Geneva Convention,” she said.

Aslin had joined the Ukrainian armed forces in 2018 and previously fought against ISIS in Syria. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is continuing efforts to verify his capture, although access to consular services in Ukraine remains limited due to the ongoing conflict.

Despite the circumstances, his family remains steadfast in their appeal for his rights to be respected. They emphasised the urgency for fair treatment as his ordeal continues.