Sham Trials: Ukrainian POWs Convicted in Russia Amidst Abuse Allegations

Russia has convicted 23 Ukrainians on terrorism charges related to the Ukraine conflict, a move decried by Kyiv as a violation of international law. Among those convicted were members of Ukraine's Azov brigade and support personnel. Sentences range from 13 to 23 years, with abuse allegations surfacing during the trial.

In a controversial move, Russia has convicted 23 Ukrainians on terrorism charges connected to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The trial, denounced by Kyiv as a sham and a violation of international legal standards, concluded with convictions for members and associates of Ukraine's elite Azov brigade.

Among the 23 defendants, some were absent from court; having returned to Ukraine via prisoner exchanges, others were convicted posthumously. Those currently detained in Russia face sentences spanning 13 to 23 years in maximum security penal colonies, where allegations of abuse have further marred the proceedings.

Human rights groups and Ukrainian officials have condemned the trial, with accusations of systemic mistreatment supporting claims of injustice. They call upon international bodies to respond decisively to what they label as war crimes and violations of the Geneva Conventions.

(With inputs from agencies.)