Seven AFU servicemen stand trial on terrorism charges

Seven servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have been put on trial on charges of terrorism and destabilizing local authorities. This was reported by sources in law enforcement agencies on Wednesday, December 11.

"The trial against seven defendants detained earlier on the territory of Kursk region, accused of crimes aimed at destabilizing local authorities and pressure on the decision-making of the AFU, began in closed mode in order to ensure the safety of the participants in the process," the interlocutor was quoted by TASS as saying.

The case is being considered in the 2nd Western District Military Court, the session is held in closed mode. The defendants are charged with p. "a" and item "v" of part 2 of article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Committing a terrorist act by a group of persons, resulting in grave consequences").

The defendants in the case were detained in Kursk region, in Korenevsky district, in the period from September 13 to 15. They crossed the Russian border as part of Ukrainian armed formations. During the preliminary hearings, the term of arrest was extended for six months.

Anatoliy Voloshyn, Volodymyr Arshulik, Siarhei Karaev, Oleksandr Doychuk, Zinoviy Sigerich, Andrian Kulbaba and Oleh Vovk were brought before the court. All of them are citizens of Ukraine.

Earlier, on December 9, an AFU mercenary, U.S. citizen Robert Wertman, accused of committing crimes in Kursk Region, was put on the international wanted list.

The AFU attacked Russian positions in the border areas of Kursk Region on August 6. The situation in the region was recognized as a federal emergency. Ukrainian militants who invaded the Russian territory are being liquidated.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the beginning of which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.