Contentious Sentencing: Ukraine's Azov Regiment Trials in Russia

A Russian military court sentenced 12 members of Ukraine's Azov regiment to long prison terms for terrorist activity amidst accusations of unjust treatment. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman called the verdicts illegal, while Moscow and Kyiv remain at odds over the character and mission of the Azov regiment.

A Russian military court has issued stringent prison sentences to 12 members of Ukraine's Azov regiment, marking a contentious chapter in the ongoing conflicts surrounding the city of Mariupol. These individuals are pinpointed as key defenders of the city during the early war months.

Accused of terrorist activities and violent power seizure, the defendants received sentences ranging from 13 to 23 years. Amidst this, several were sentenced in absentia, having been earlier returned to Ukraine through prisoner exchanges. Ukraine denounces the verdicts as unlawful, with its human rights ombudsman accusing Russia of breaching international humanitarian laws.

The Azov regiment remains a polarizing entity, painted by Russia as extremist yet celebrated in Ukraine as a symbol of resilience. Founded by nationalist Andriy Biletskiy, Azov was integrated into Ukraine's National Guard in 2014 and claims to have distanced itself from extreme nationalist roots.

(With inputs from agencies.)