Stefan Sivers, a Scottish man from Aberdeen, is missing and feared dead in Ukraine after traveling to fight against Russian forces. Pro-Russian social media accounts claim he was killed on May 23 in Kopanky, near Borova, Kharkov region. The Foreign Office has confirmed his disappearance and is in contact with Ukrainian authorities.
Background and Previous Incidents
Sivers is reported to have arrived in Ukraine last year. He was wounded in a separate incident in December. A photo circulating online shows him in combat gear holding a machine gun with a red cross, captioned claiming he has been 'eliminated.'
In February 2023, Sivers appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and was jailed for eight months for assaulting a woman. This was his sixth conviction against women, with offenses dating back to 2009.
Social Media Activity and Warnings
After Russia's invasion in February 2022, Sivers' Facebook account featured selfies with Ukraine flag graphics. He posted: "It ain't 1918 why should man be in the trenches." His social media indicates he worked in restaurants and had no military service, like many foreign fighters in Ukraine.
The UK Government warns against travel to western Ukraine and notes that mercenaries may face prosecution. A spokesperson said: "If you travel to Ukraine to fight, or to assist others engaged in the war, your activities may amount to offences under UK legislation. You could be prosecuted on your return to the UK."
They added: "British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities. The risk to life, or of maltreatment, is high. The British Government's ability to support you in these circumstances is very limited."
Previous Scottish Casualties
In December 2022, Scots dad Jonathan Shenkin was killed while working as a paramedic in Ukraine. His brother Daniel said in a statement: "In December 2022 Jonathan 'Jony' Shenkin (45 years of age) died as a hero in an act of bravery as a paramedic, receiving a medal for 'Valour In Combat'. He made the ultimate sacrifice to defend values we all believe in. He is survived by his son and daughter."
