Donetsk Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Fighting Against Ukraine

The Ivano-Frankivsk City Court on September 15, 2025, issued a verdict against a citizen of Donetsk who fought against the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Bakhmut direction and was taken prisoner by Ukrainian soldiers in July 2023.

According to case materials, the defendant was born in Alchevsk. He voluntarily joined the illegal armed formation “LPR” during the events in Donbas. In 2016 he served as a rifleman-driver in a reconnaissance unit, and in 2020 he joined the 4th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the “LPR” in the position of a T-72 tank gunner. He participated in offensive actions of the militants, supported them and fired at Ukrainian military positions.

During Russia’s full-scale invasion, the accused continued to participate in hostilities against units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other formations, particularly in the Bakhmut district of Donetsk Oblast.

On July 6, 2023 near the village of Klishiivka, Ukrainian servicemen captured him. At the court hearing, the accused fully admitted his guilt and explained that he fought on the side of the “LPR” for monetary reward.

Verdict and Legal Consequences

The court found the man guilty under four articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 1 of Article 111 – treason and switching to the enemy during an armed conflict; Part 2 of Article 111 – treason committed under martial law; Part 7 of Article 111-1 – collaboration activities – voluntary participation in illegal armed formations established in the temporarily occupied territory; Part 1 of Article 258-3 – creating a terrorist group or terrorist organization.

For the offense, the defendant was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property and a prohibition on holding positions in state authorities and local self-government for the same term.

The verdict has entered into force and is to be executed in accordance with the requirements of Ukrainian law.