Russia convicts Azov Regiment fighters of terrorism in trial Ukraine deems a war crime

Twelve members of Ukraine's Azov regiment face lengthy sentences for their role in defending Mariupol.
Text: Óscar Ontañón Docal
Published 2025-03-26

The latest news on Russia and Ukraine. A Russian military court has sentenced on Wednesday twelve former members of Ukraine's Azov regiment to prison terms ranging from 13 to 23 years.

The fighters, captured during Russia's siege of Mariupol in 2022, were convicted of terrorist activity and violently seizing or retaining power. The regiment, now banned in Russia, was a prominent force in Ukraine's resistance.

Moscow has often painted them as radical extremists, a characterisation rejected by Ukraine, which views them as symbols of national resistance. Some of the accused have denied wrongdoing, claiming their testimony was coerced.

Kyiv, Ukraine - October 14, 2020: A group of patriots and veterans from the Azov Regiment stand in military uniforms with yellow battle flags during the Defenders' Day celebration at Shevchenko Park

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