Serious prison sentences for another two militants who fought against Ukraine

VALENTYNA ROMANENKO – THURSDAY, 21 JULY 2022, 12:38

Two more militants from an LPR (Luhansk People’s Republic) terrorist organisation, who fought against Ukraine as part of the Russian occupation forces, have been convicted in court.

Source: press centre of the Security Service of Ukraine

Quote: "For encroaching on the territorial integrity and inviolability of our state, and participating in illegal armed formations, the defendants have received prison terms of 10 and 8 years.

They were captured by Ukrainian defenders during the fighting in Luhansk Oblast in May 2022."

Details: The special service established that one of those convicted began his "military career" in Russian-sponsored illegal armed formations back in 2015.

Prior to the start of the large-scale invasion, he took part in clashes with the Armed Forces of Ukraine near the demarcation line. He also organised duty shifts at checkpoints and training grounds where the militants trained.

The other one went to fight to avoid going to prison for theft. He had been sentenced to imprisonment three times: twice for robbery and once for inflicting grievous bodily harm.

According to the Security Service of Ukraine, when he committed another offence in 2021, he was made an offer: he could either go to prison for the fourth time, or he could sign a contract "for service" in the ranks of the "People's Militia of the Luhansk People's Republic".

It is noted that the investigators gathered a strong evidence base regarding these militants, which enabled them to be sentenced to meaningful terms of imprisonment. The proceedings were conducted under two articles of the Criminal Code:

Part 2 of Article 110 (encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine);

Part 2 of Article 260 (establishment of paramilitary or armed formations not provided for by law).