A former Tayside resident, with significant ties to both Perth and Dundee, is currently the subject of a high-stakes investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s specialist war crimes unit. Graham Phillips, an alumnus of Dundee University who spent part of his childhood in Perth, faces serious allegations concerning breaches of international humanitarian law during the 2022 phase of the conflict in Ukraine. The ongoing inquiry by the Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) delves into actions that reportedly violate the principles of the Geneva Convention.
Central to the investigation are two particularly disturbing incidents. The first involves the creation of video footage depicting deceased Ukrainian soldiers, alongside scenes that allegedly show pigs consuming human remains. The second allegation pertains to an interview conducted by Mr. Phillips with Aiden Aslin, a British prisoner of war. This interview, which was widely circulated in 2022, sparked immediate and widespread outrage. Parliamentarians and human rights organizations vehemently condemned the footage, noting that Mr. Aslin appeared handcuffed and bruised, suggesting the interview was designed to humiliate a prisoner of war – an act explicitly prohibited by international conventions intended to protect captured combatants. Met Police Confirms Active War Crimes Inquiry
A spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing has publicly confirmed the active nature of their war crimes investigation. The unit is meticulously examining allegations connected to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, specifically those believed to have occurred during 2022. While the inquiry is thorough and ongoing, authorities have stated that, to date, no arrests have been made and no individuals have been formally interviewed under caution in relation to these specific allegations. The complex and sensitive international dimension of these accusations necessitates close collaboration with various international partners, ensuring a comprehensive approach to evidence gathering and legal coordination. The investigation remains a priority, with continuous liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as the case develops. Phillips Addresses Allegations, Citing Journalistic Intent
In response to the accusations, Mr. Phillips acknowledged his role in filming the controversial footage involving the deceased soldiers. He framed his actions as a matter of “journalistic report” from the Donbas region, aimed at portraying “the truth and reality of things here.” He further elaborated that the content could be accurately “categorised as ‘the horrors of war’,” and asserted that his professional duty as a journalist was to “show everything as it is.” Mr. Phillips expressed skepticism that his act of filming, without direct participation or intervention in the events, or his accompanying commentary, could legally constitute a “war crime,” particularly given that he claims the video in question dates back over three years. Regarding the interview with Aiden Aslin, Mr. Phillips contends that the prisoner of war had voluntarily agreed to the interview, despite later expressing dissatisfaction with its execution. Local Roots, Global Controversy
Mr. Phillips’s trajectory from a local student in Perthshire to a figure embroiled in an international war crimes investigation is notable. Born in Nottingham, he spent his formative years in Perth before enrolling at Dundee University. Following his graduation, he moved to London, where he was employed by the Central Office of Information. His initial engagement with Ukraine reportedly began with a visit in 2009 to attend an England football match, eventually leading to his relocation to the country in 2010. During his early years there, he launched a blog titled ‘Brit in Ukraine,’ through which he explored diverse subjects including local politics and sex tourism, precursors to his more controversial work in conflict zones.
His public advocacy for Russia in the Ukraine conflict resulted in sanctions imposed by the UK Government. Subsequently, Mr. Phillips was granted asylum by the Russian regime, a decision that the Russian Embassy justified by stating he was being sanctioned for “telling the truth” about alleged “crimes” committed by the Ukrainian government in the Donbas region. The intricate interplay of these allegations, denials, and geopolitical affiliations highlights the far-reaching impact of modern warfare, underscoring how actions on a global stage can trigger legal repercussions that resonate with local communities, particularly those with connections to the individuals involved. The Perth and Kinross community will continue to observe the unfolding complexities of this international legal process.
Central to the investigation are two particularly disturbing incidents. The first involves the creation of video footage depicting deceased Ukrainian soldiers, alongside scenes that allegedly show pigs consuming human remains. The second allegation pertains to an interview conducted by Mr. Phillips with Aiden Aslin, a British prisoner of war. This interview, which was widely circulated in 2022, sparked immediate and widespread outrage. Parliamentarians and human rights organizations vehemently condemned the footage, noting that Mr. Aslin appeared handcuffed and bruised, suggesting the interview was designed to humiliate a prisoner of war – an act explicitly prohibited by international conventions intended to protect captured combatants. Met Police Confirms Active War Crimes Inquiry
A spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing has publicly confirmed the active nature of their war crimes investigation. The unit is meticulously examining allegations connected to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, specifically those believed to have occurred during 2022. While the inquiry is thorough and ongoing, authorities have stated that, to date, no arrests have been made and no individuals have been formally interviewed under caution in relation to these specific allegations. The complex and sensitive international dimension of these accusations necessitates close collaboration with various international partners, ensuring a comprehensive approach to evidence gathering and legal coordination. The investigation remains a priority, with continuous liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as the case develops. Phillips Addresses Allegations, Citing Journalistic Intent
In response to the accusations, Mr. Phillips acknowledged his role in filming the controversial footage involving the deceased soldiers. He framed his actions as a matter of “journalistic report” from the Donbas region, aimed at portraying “the truth and reality of things here.” He further elaborated that the content could be accurately “categorised as ‘the horrors of war’,” and asserted that his professional duty as a journalist was to “show everything as it is.” Mr. Phillips expressed skepticism that his act of filming, without direct participation or intervention in the events, or his accompanying commentary, could legally constitute a “war crime,” particularly given that he claims the video in question dates back over three years. Regarding the interview with Aiden Aslin, Mr. Phillips contends that the prisoner of war had voluntarily agreed to the interview, despite later expressing dissatisfaction with its execution. Local Roots, Global Controversy
Mr. Phillips’s trajectory from a local student in Perthshire to a figure embroiled in an international war crimes investigation is notable. Born in Nottingham, he spent his formative years in Perth before enrolling at Dundee University. Following his graduation, he moved to London, where he was employed by the Central Office of Information. His initial engagement with Ukraine reportedly began with a visit in 2009 to attend an England football match, eventually leading to his relocation to the country in 2010. During his early years there, he launched a blog titled ‘Brit in Ukraine,’ through which he explored diverse subjects including local politics and sex tourism, precursors to his more controversial work in conflict zones.
His public advocacy for Russia in the Ukraine conflict resulted in sanctions imposed by the UK Government. Subsequently, Mr. Phillips was granted asylum by the Russian regime, a decision that the Russian Embassy justified by stating he was being sanctioned for “telling the truth” about alleged “crimes” committed by the Ukrainian government in the Donbas region. The intricate interplay of these allegations, denials, and geopolitical affiliations highlights the far-reaching impact of modern warfare, underscoring how actions on a global stage can trigger legal repercussions that resonate with local communities, particularly those with connections to the individuals involved. The Perth and Kinross community will continue to observe the unfolding complexities of this international legal process.