Connexion
Russia sentences Mariupol defender for 21 years as Russian court labels him terrorist
A military court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced captured Ukrainian soldier Vladislav Shpak from the Azov brigade to 21 years in a maximum-security prison colony, Russian media Mediazona reported on 8 August.
Russian prosecutors charged the prisoner under articles “concerning participation in a terrorist organization and training for terrorist activities.”
According to the report, in June 2020, 20-year-old Vladislav Shpak “with the aim of improving his financial situation, as well as for ideological reasons” signed a contract with Ukraine’s National Guard and joined the Azov special forces unit. Russia classified this as participation in a terrorist organization.
Between April and June 2021, Russian law enforcement alleges, Shpak underwent military training — which they classified as preparation for terrorist activities.
The soldier served in a unit in the village of Urzuf. In February 2022, when Russian forces invaded Ukraine, he was transferred along with his fellow servicemen to Mariupol. Shpak participated in the defense of Azovstal and was captured three months later on 17 May, along with other Azovstal defenders.
Court materials do not clarify Shpak’s exact role in Azov. Some documents describe him as performing “machine gunner duties,” others call him a “grenade launcher assistant,” while still others identify him as a “reconnaissance driver.”
When asked whether he feels hostility toward Russian citizens and authorities “after the start of the military conflict,” the defendant replied: “Toward citizens — no, toward the authorities — yes.”
The Azov defenders are members of the Azov Brigade, a Ukrainian National Guard unit known for its role in defending Mariupol, especially during the siege of 2022. Russia captured many of these soldiers after the fall of Mariupol, particularly those who surrendered at the Azovstal steel plant. Russia has classified the Azov unit as a terrorist organization.
Russia’s designation of the Azov Regiment as a terrorist organization contradicts international law, which recognizes Azov as part of Ukraine’s Armed Forces with members entitled to prisoner of war protections. The United States and Western allies do not classify Azov as terrorist, noting the unit passed human rights vetting under the Leahy Law that bars US aid to forces involved in violations.
