Russian Court Sentences Ukrainian Soldiers in Controversial Trial

Kyiv, Oct 17 (AP) - A court in southern Russia handed down terrorism convictions to 15 captured Ukrainian soldiers on Friday, after a trial that Kyiv condemned as a sham and a breach of international law.

The military court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced the men, who were members of the Aidar battalion—designated by Russia as a terrorist group—to prison terms ranging from 15 to 21 years.

This verdict is the second mass trial of Ukrainian prisoners of war since March. At that time, 23 members of the elite Azov brigade were convicted on similar charges, a trial which Ukraine also condemned as a violation of international law.

The trial of Aidar battalion members commenced in 2023, and Ukraine's human rights envoy, Dmytro Lubinets, denounced it as "shameful," asserting that "Russia is making criminals out of those who defended their native land." Memorial, a notable Russian human rights organization, has labeled the defendants as political prisoners.

Critics have argued that the trial violated international conventions protecting POWs, pointing out that the defendants were being prosecuted solely for their affiliation with the Aidar battalion, without specific war crimes being cited.

"This grossly violates the provisions of the Geneva Convention, which prohibits the prosecution of prisoners of war solely for their participation in an armed conflict," stated Memorial.

Russia has accused both the Azov and Aidar groups of being involved in terrorism and alleged war crimes. These volunteer units were formed shortly after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and played an active role in conflicts against Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Aidar and Azov, along with other volunteer units, were eventually integrated into the Ukrainian military. Although they have faced criticism for their origins involving far-right elements, current members dismiss claims of extremism or ties to ultra-nationalist movements.

Originally, the 2023 trial involved 18 members. However, two nurses from the battalion were returned to Ukraine in a prisoner exchange, and proceedings against a battalion driver will be conducted separately.

The trial took place in the military court located in Rostov-on-Don, home to Russia's Southern Military District, approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

While most of the trial occurred behind closed doors, journalists were permitted to cover the opening sessions and the verdict delivered on Friday. (AP)

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