Irish Soldier Claims Bravery Medal for ‘Wiping Out’ Ukrainians

A British Man Fighting for Russia in Ukraine Claims Bravery Medal for ‘Wiping Out’ Ukrainians

A British man, who has been fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine, has claimed to have received a bravery medal from Moscow for his actions during the conflict. The individual, Aiden Minnis, 38, left the UK to join the Russian military after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He is one of two individuals exposed in an investigation by a major media outlet, both of whom have criminal backgrounds and are now facing potential charges if they return to the UK.

Minnis, originally from Chippenham in Wiltshire, has Irish heritage and spent time in prison in the UK for a violent racist attack. He initially worked as a sapper, laying mines and explosives in the Luhansk region of Ukraine. Now, he claims to be part of a Russian motorised rifle regiment in the Kharkiv area, participating in assaults on Ukrainian positions.

Earlier this year, Minnis was granted a Russian passport and was awarded the Suvorov medal by the Russian Federation for “courage in the defence of the Fatherland.” In an interview, he stated that he received the award for “wiping out numerous khokhols,” a derogatory term for Ukrainians. He expressed hope of receiving more medals for killing “fascists” and eliminating the “Nazi scourge.”

Minnis described several dangerous experiences during his time in the war zone. He mentioned being wounded by shrapnel from a kamikaze drone, which left him with a fractured leg and multiple deep wounds. He spent several months in the hospital recovering from these injuries. Despite the challenges, he insists that his mission must be carried out.

The former UK resident has married a Russian citizen and declared his hatred for the UK, calling it a “fascist state.” He has also stated that he would die for Vladimir Putin, whom he refers to as “the greatest politician on earth.” His family has disowned him, stating they have “nothing to do with him.”

In a recent interview with a Russian website, Minnis spoke about his life at the front lines of the conflict. He explained that his tasks can vary, ranging from spending months in trenches to participating in evacuations or assaults. He admitted to feeling nervous in the dangerous environment, where daily threats include drones, mortars, and tank shells.

Minnis acknowledged the emotional toll of the war, particularly the loss of fellow soldiers. He said, “When you get to know them on the deepest level, and then sadly they make the ultimate sacrifice. It’s happened many times here.” He also admitted that his decision to fight for Russia led to the loss of family and friends, who cut him off due to their beliefs influenced by media coverage.

Despite the pain, Minnis remains committed to his cause, expressing gratitude for the opportunities Russia has provided. He highlighted that he found freedom, citizenship, marriage, and a home in the country, which he claims would never have been possible in the UK.

Before leaving the UK, Minnis had a history of arrests for violent crimes. In December 2008, he was jailed for four years for a racist attack in Swindon, where he assaulted a man with a bottle of port. Two months later, he robbed another man and attempted to rob a second, punching him in the face. He was also arrested for assaulting a homeless man.

Another individual exposed in the same investigation, Ben Stimson, 49, from Oldham, is believed to still be fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Last year, he posted a video showing himself walking past dead bodies in muddy fields and digging up a grenade.

Colonel Richard Kemp, a former Army commander, condemned the men as traitors, stating that they should be arrested and jailed upon returning to the UK. He added that they clearly do not understand who the enemy is.