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Russia Tries 4 Ukrainian Soldiers for Alleged Sabotage Missions in Bryansk and Kaluga Regions
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Four Ukrainian servicemen captured in Russia’s Bryansk region have delivered their final statements in a Moscow court, where they face terrorism-related charges. The defendants are Lieutenant Colonel Andrii Antonenko, Captain Andrii Kulish, Sergeant Oleksiy Mazurenko, and Second Lieutenant Denys Tkachenko.
According to Mediazona on September 3, citing statements from Russian investigators, the group allegedly planted explosives on railways, power lines, and fuel depots deep inside Russian territory. In August 2023, they were accused of carrying out their most high-profile mission—deploying drones near the Shaikovka airbase in Kaluga region, home to Russia’s long-range bombers.
Each serviceman has been charged with two acts of terrorism, three attempted terrorist acts, as well as other alleged crimes ranging from illegal border crossing to possession of explosives.
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On August 13, prosecutor Boris Loktionov demanded 30 years in a maximum-security prison for each of them.
In their final remarks, the Ukrainian soldiers stressed that they were defending their country and following orders, pointing out that none of their operations caused Russian casualties—neither civilian nor military.
“I do not consider myself a terrorist and do not agree with the accusations that have been brought against me,” Antonenko told the court. “I do not know how my future fate and life will turn out, but I have such a deep personal feeling that this is still some kind of cosplay of justice.”
Earlier, it was reported that Crimean Tatar journalist and human rights defender Remzi Bekirov remains in solitary confinement at Penal Colony No. 33 in Abakan, Russia, allegedly as punishment for observing his five daily prayers.
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