MOSCOW

A Russian court ordered the arrest on Tuesday of a British national on charges of mercenary activity and participation in Ukraine’s incursion into Russia's Kursk region.

James Scott Rhys Anderson Anderson, as part of Ukrainian armed formations, illegally crossed into Russian territory and took part in hostilities within the Kursk region, according to the Kursk Regional Court's media service.

A hearing was held behind closed doors because of the sensitive nature of the allegations, which include crimes considered particularly severe.

Fighting in the Kursk region has continued since Kyiv's incursions began in August.