Russia Sentences 15 Ukrainian POWs to Up to 21 Years on “Terrorism” Charges

Fifteen Ukrainian prisoners of war—captured members of the Aidar Battalion—have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms by a Russian military court.

According to Reuters on October 17, citing Russia’s Prosecutor General, the men were found guilty of participating in “a terrorist organisation” and handed sentences ranging from 15 to 21 years in a maximum-security penal colony.

Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman has previously denounced similar Russian trials as “shameful,” Reuters reported.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Azov Fighters Have Been Held In Russian Captivity for Over Two Years as Putin’s Propaganda Trophies

May 21, 2024 19:21

Human rights groups, including the now-banned Russian organization Memorial, argue the convictions violate the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit prosecuting prisoners of war for lawful combatant activity. Russia denies the accusation, insisting the charges relate to alleged crimes committed between August 2014 and March 2022—before its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Notably, none of the convicted men were charged with war crimes.

As reported by Reuters, the Aidar Battalion was among several volunteer units formed in response to Russia’s aggression in 2014, when Kremlin-backed forces declared so-called “republics” in eastern Ukraine.

According to Reuters, citing Russian outlet Mash, two of the accused admitted guilt, while the remaining 13 plan to appeal the verdict.

Earlier, in the three years following Russia’s staged “referendums” on the annexation of occupied areas in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, occupation-installed courts handed down at least 190 convictions on charges such as “state treason,” “espionage,” and “confidential cooperation with foreigners.”

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW