Decision for the first time taken by Russian justice: 15 years in prison for a soldier who taught to Ukrainian forces
Russian soldiers at a military ceremony: AA / Abaca / Abaca Press / Profimedia
Roman Ivanishin, a soldier from Sahalin, was sentenced to court to 15 years in a maximum security prison for handing to Ukrainian forces, Kommersant reports, citing an anonymous source. It is the first known case in which a Russian soldier is convicted of voluntary teaching during the war against Ukraine, according to Kyiv Independent.
Ivanishin, who served in the Donetk region of Ukraine, was captured by Ukrainian troops near the village of Stepne on June 10, 2023.
The soldier was released in January 2024 as part of an exchange of prisoners who involved 248 members of the Russian army. Upon his return, the Russian authorities detained and accused Ivanishin of voluntary teaching, an additional attempt to teach and desert.
Also, the military court of the South Sahalin garrison withdrew the rank of inferior sergeant. Prosecutors have requested a 16 -year sentence. Ivanishin pleaded innocent and denied the accusations.
The court convicted Ivanishin following 15 hearings. The trial was tried with closed doors, and the prosecutors' indictment and defense arguments were not disclosed.
Ivanishin, a civilian mountain guide before joining the Russian army, had no previous military experience.
