A man from Britain who betrayed his country and is fighting against Ukraine states that he has been granted Russian citizenship by Vladimir Putin.
Aiden Minnis, 37 from Chippenham, posted a video displaying his Russian passport, believed to be given to him because he is a ‘useful propaganda stooge’.
Minnis boasted: ‘I have a Russian passport. I am now Russian. I am relieved because now I know I am safe, safe from prosecution in the UK, safe from false and bogus charges just because I want to come and fight for Russia and fight for a just cause and the people of Donbas.’
But the ‘passport’ Minnis showed off actually only denotes citizenship and is not valid for foreign travel – and wouldn’t save him from prosecution and jail in Britain nor extradition to the UK if he travels to the West.
He earlier vowed to continue putting slain Ukrainians and English mercenaries ‘in wooden boxes’.
Minnis also repeated his loathing for the UK, and delight at his new passport making him ‘officially Russian’.
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He added: ‘Of course, I am happy. I am starting a new life in Russia. I am now Russian. I am happy to be Russian.
‘I reiterate that I condemn my country or origin. I hate it for what they have done to the people of Donbas, to Russia, and what they continue to do. And I am looking forward to starting a new life….’
He made clear he expects Putin’s army to send him into harm’s way on the frontline: ‘After my vacation I go to a storm battalion. So things are only going to get tougher for me. I know it’s dangerous. War is dangerous.’
His video was made by Kremlin-linked propaganda media outlet Readovka, which was involved with Putin loving politicians who apparently expedited his citizenship process.
Former drug addict Minnis travelled to Ukraine in January and calls himself a ‘Z Patriot’ and a ‘sapper in the Russian army’.
Back home, he has been disowned by his family who claim they ‘want nothing to do with him.’
A UK government spokesman said earlier on his case: ‘Reports of British nationals taking part in illegal invasion are shocking and their alleged actions are reprehensible.
‘Those who travel from the UK to conflict zones to engage in unlawful activity should expect to be investigated upon their return.’
Another British man who went to Russia to fight for Putin – Ben Stimson, 48, from Oldham – whinged in response to Minnis’s posting that he had not received his Russian passport yet.
He said: ‘I’ve still not got my documents. I got another 3 weeks left on visa then I’m out of time.’
Previously jailed in Britain for committing terrorism acts, he earlier said he had been granted ‘political asylum’ in Russia.
Former Army commander Colonel Richard Kemp described the men an ‘absolute disgrace’.
Minnis has a history of violence including racist attacks and beating up homeless people, according to reports.
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