4 Ukrainian prisoners of struggle – Lieutenant Colonel Andrii Antonenko, Captain Andrii Kulish, Junior Lieutenant Denys Tkachenko and Sergeant Oleksii Mazurenko – have been sentenced by a Russian navy court docket.
Supply: Prosecutor Basic’s Workplace of Russia; Kremlin-aligned Russian information company TASS; Russian media outlet Mediazona
Particulars: In keeping with TASS, the troopers have been captured in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast. Antonenko was sentenced to twenty-eight years, the primary 5 to be served in jail and the rest in a penal colony. He was additionally fined RUB 2 million (about US$24,600). Kulish and Mazurenko have been sentenced to 26 years, whereas Tkachenko obtained 27 years.
The Russian investigators have claimed that the lads had mined railways, energy strains and oil depots deep inside Russian territory. In August 2023, they allegedly carried out a raid utilizing drones close to the Shaykovka air base in Kaluga Oblast, the place long-range bombers are stationed. In whole, they have been accused of two "terrorist assaults" and three counts of making ready "terrorist assaults".
Of their ultimate statements in court docket, the Ukrainian servicemen identified that they have been defending their nation, finishing up their commanders’ orders, and that no Russians – neither civilians nor navy – had been harmed by their sabotage actions.
Mediazona launched an audio recording of statements made in court docket by Antonenko, Kulish, Mazurenko and Tkachenko.
Quote from Antonenko: "With disappointment, I need to say that I remorse not all members of my group survived. Some have been killed, specifically Oleh Babii and Andrii Machulianskyi, and Illia Dolmatov died in hospital. They have been worthy individuals, I’m sorry they died, however such a destiny could await any soldier on the battlefield.
I don’t take into account myself a terrorist and I don’t agree with the accusations introduced in opposition to me. I have no idea how my life will end up, however I’ve a deep private feeling that that is some kind of cosplay of justice."
Particulars: After the decide interrupted Antonenko’s speech, he recited a poem by Ukrainian poet Pavlo Tychyna.
Kulish acknowledged in his ultimate assertion that he had fulfilled his navy obligation as a citizen of Ukraine.
Mazurenko mentioned that earlier than the beginning of hostilities, he had lived in "his beloved metropolis of Sumy together with his spouse and two babies". He added that his command by no means meant to hurt civilians or civilian services.
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