Russia Jails Ukrainian to 18 Years for Refusing to Fight Against Ukraine

Russia’s Southern District Military Court sentenced Ukrainian citizen Denys Narolsky to 18 years in prison, accusing him of “state treason” for refusing to fight against Ukraine, reported Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group on October 24.

Narolsky, 31, originally from occupied Crimea, had previously been sentenced to nine years for “desertion” after leaving the Russian military following his forced mobilization in 2022. The court’s decision, handed down on October 22, 2024, was condemned by human rights organizations.

Narolsky was mobilized into the Russian army in September 2022 but fled his military unit just days later, citing his refusal to participate in the war against Ukraine. With family and friends in Ukraine, he opposed the idea of fighting against his own people.

His attempt to escape to mainland Ukraine, including communications with Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), led to the more severe charge of “state treason.”

Narolsky’s case has drawn attention due to Russia’s continued weaponization of citizenship laws.

Although Russia imposed its citizenship on residents of occupied Crimea, Narolsky’s Russian passport was used to justify his “treason” charge.

Human rights group Memorial has declared Narolsky a political prisoner, noting that Russia is forcing Ukrainians to fight against their own country and sentencing them harshly for refusing. Memorial and Narolsky’s family are appealing Russian court decision.

Earlier, 16-year-old Russian schoolboy, considered Russia’s youngest political prisoner, has reported that he is being beaten by his cellmates at a Moscow detention center.