The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to many soldiers being captured and sentenced by military courts.
Recently, two Ukrainian soldiers, Vitalii Panchenko and Ivan Dmytrakov, were sentenced to long prison terms by a Russian court in Moscow, reports the Kyiv Independent.
The court convicted them of terrorism, accusing them of attacking both Russian soldiers and civilians.
The Russian government often uses such charges against Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, claiming they are involved in acts of terrorism.
Panchenko and Dmytrakov served in Ukraine’s 61st Separate Mechanized Brigade. They were captured after crossing into Kursk Oblast on August 7.
Ukrainian forces still control part of this region while Russia continues its efforts to push Ukraine out.
The Russian court also accused the soldiers of illegally crossing the state border, although Russian forces have been fighting on Ukrainian soil.
Additionally, the soldiers were accused of kidnapping three Russian civilians and looting a grocery store in the town of Sudzha, which is under Ukrainian control.
Both men received long sentences. Panchenko was sentenced to 14 years, and Dmytrakov received 15 years.
They will serve the first three years in prison before being sent to strict penal colonies.
It is unclear whether the soldiers pleaded guilty. Ukrainian officials claim that many of their captured soldiers face physical and psychological torture while in Russian custody.
This is the first reported case where Russian courts have sentenced Ukrainian soldiers for actions in Kursk Oblast.
In a separate case, nine Ukrainian soldiers captured in Mariupol were sentenced to between 24 years and life in prison by Russian authorities in Donetsk.
While Ukraine has managed to secure some prisoner releases through exchanges, many Ukrainian soldiers remain in Russian custody.
They face harsh conditions that have drawn concern from international organizations and human rights groups.
