A military court in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, handed down prison sentences of 15 to 21 years to 15 Ukrainian soldiers from the Aidar battalion on Friday, October 17, 2025.
Charged with terrorism, the soldiers faced condemnation from Ukraine and human rights advocates, who called the ruling illegal under international law.
This trial is the second significant case targeting Ukrainian prisoners of war. Earlier, in March 2025, 23 members of the Azov brigade faced similar accusations.
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights commissioner, labeled the verdicts a “travesty,” accusing Russia of criminalizing soldiers for defending their homeland.
Breaching International Norms
A leading Russian human rights organization denounced the trial as a violation of the Geneva Conventions. They described the soldiers as political prisoners, targeted solely for their affiliation with the Aidar battalion, without evidence of specific crimes. “International law shields prisoners of war from such charges,” the group stated.
Conducted near Ukraine’s border in a city hosting Russia’s Southern Military District headquarters, the proceedings were largely private, with media access limited to the opening and final sessions.
Origins of the Conflict
Russia designates the Aidar and Azov battalions as terrorist organizations, alleging they committed war crimes.
These groups emerged after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, fighting separatists backed by Moscow in eastern Ukraine. Over time, both integrated into Ukraine’s formal armed forces.
The rulings have intensified regional tensions. Observers argue Russia is using these trials to weaken Ukrainian resistance, spotlighting broader issues about the treatment of captives in the ongoing conflict.
Wider Implications
The case underscores the fragile state of international norms in wartime. With criticism mounting, the sentences highlight the challenges of ensuring fair treatment for prisoners amid geopolitical strife. The debate continues as Ukraine and its allies push for accountability.
