A man from Scotland, Stefan Sivers, who was involved in combat against Russia in Ukraine, is now missing, raising concerns about his well-being. The 35-year-old Aberdeen native is believed to have lost his life in the Kharkiv region. Sivers had expressed support for Ukraine since 2022 on social media and had traveled to the country in December last year.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed the disappearance of Sivers. A spokesperson from the FCDO stated that they are providing assistance to the family of the missing British national and are in communication with the local authorities. The FCDO advises against travel to Ukraine and its surrounding areas, emphasizing the limited capacity of the British government to aid British citizens in Ukraine.
Following the initiation of the conflict by Putin’s forces in February 2022, Sivers’ Facebook profile displayed two selfies of him alongside an image featuring the Ukrainian flag. While Sivers had worked in restaurants, there is no indication that he had military experience, unlike most mercenaries in Ukraine.
The FCDO’s website warns that British nationals participating in the conflict are at high risk, as some have been killed or captured. As of May 18, 2024, British individuals joining the International Legion or Ukraine’s Armed Forces are required to serve a minimum of six months and are prohibited from leaving Ukraine during this period. In such circumstances, the British government’s ability to offer assistance is severely limited, including facilitating departure, medical repatriation, or contract termination.
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