23 Azov Brigade soldiers were sentenced in Russia

A court in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, has sentenced 23 Ukrainian POWs from the Azov Brigade. The sentences include long-term imprisonment in a maximum security facility.

This was reported by the Russian media.

Trial of captured Azov soldiers

The Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced prisoners of war who served in the Azov Brigade in different years to real terms. Military men to be imprisoned for 22 years in a maximum security facility:

• Yaroslav Zhdamarov;
• Oleksandr Merochenets;
• Mykyta Tymonin;
• Oleksandr Mukhin;
• Oleh Tyshkul.

Besides, Oleksandr Irkh and Artem Hrebeshkov recieved 20 years sentence each, Oleh Myzhhorodskyi — 17 years, Oleh Zharkov — 13 years, Anatolii Hrytsyk — 19 years, and Oleksii Smykov — 23 years. 

The media reported that the men were brought to court in handcuffs, and before the verdict was announced, Oleh Zharkov felt sick — an ambulance was called because of stomach pain.

At the same time, 11 soldiers were convicted in absentia, as they returned to Ukraine during the exchanges. In addition, David Kasatkin "Khimik" and Dmytro Labinskyi were sentenced to 23 years in a strict regime colony.

Women who worked as cooks in the army were also tried. They were returned home in September last year as part of an exchange.

During the trial, the prisoners of war claimed that their testimony was falsified, they were interrogated without lawyers, were treated humiliatingly, denied medical care and were tortured.

"I saw bags on their heads, wires on different parts of their bodies, broken ribs, damaged kidneys...no medical care...twice a year we went to the shower and came out dirtier than when we entered, and we were beaten," Mykyta Tymonin said. 

Earlier, we reported that the Russian invaders have again shot Ukrainian prisoners. Such actions violate international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

Also, we published stories of Mariupol residents Alina and Liubov who managed to evacuate from Mariupol in Donetsk region of Ukraine, which was surrounded by Russian troops.