**Russian Court Hands Down Harsh Sentences to Two Ukrainian Soldiers**
A Russian court has delivered a severe blow to two Ukrainian soldiers, sentencing them to more than 20 years in prison for allegedly killing civilians in the city of Mariupol. The sentence was announced by Russia’s Investigative Committee on June 9 via Telegram.
The two soldiers, Ruslan Orlov and Artem Novikov, were members of the Azov Brigade, a Ukrainian military unit that has been demonized by Russian propaganda. The Russian authorities accused them of shooting three civilians in Mariupol in April 2022. Orlov was sentenced to 26 years in a strict regime colony, while Novikov received a 24-year sentence.
**Russia’s Sham Trials Continue**
This is not the first time Russia has held sham trials with Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs). Over the past few years, Moscow has focused on putting Azov fighters on trial, often using flimsy evidence and biased proceedings. The Azov Brigade has been a prime target for Russian propaganda, painting them as terrorists and neo-Nazis.
**The Siege of Mariupol**
Mariupol, a port city in Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast, was under siege by Russian forces from February to May 2022. The months-long assault reduced the city to rubble, killing thousands of civilians. During this period, the Azovstal Steel Plant became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance, as soldiers valiantly defended the plant against relentless bombardment.
**The Massacre at Olenivka**
In May 2022, Azovstal defenders were ordered to surrender to Russian forces after two months of constant shelling. The evacuation from the plant ended on May 20, with Ukrainian soldiers being transferred to a penal colony in Russian-occupied Olenivka, Donetsk Oblast. On July 28, an explosion killed 54 Ukrainian prisoners of war and injured over 150 at this very same penal colony, sparking international outrage.
**Azov Fighters Remain in Captivity**
Despite hundreds of Azov fighters being released since 2022, many more remain in captivity. The ongoing imprisonment of these soldiers is a stark reminder of Russia’s continued disregard for human rights and the rule of law.
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