Russia-Ukraine War / Russian military court issued a big order regarding 23 Ukrainians, Ukraine got enraged

Russia-Ukraine War: A Russian military court has convicted 23 Ukrainians arrested in connection with the Ukraine war on charges of terrorism. The decision has become a subject of widespread discussion in the international community. However, Ukraine has strongly condemned the decision, calling it a sham and a violation of international law.

Profile of the accused

According to Russian media reports and human rights activists, the convicted accused include current or former fighters of the elite Azov Brigade. Russia has declared this brigade a terrorist group. Interestingly, the accused also include those who were working there as cooks or support staff.

Reaction of Russian human rights group

A leading Russian human rights group 'Memorial' has declared all these accused as political prisoners. According to the organization, some of them were captured during the fighting in the Ukrainian port city of Mariopol in 2022. At that time they were living in the Azovstal steel mill, which was under siege by the Russian army. Others were detained when they were trying to escape after the Russian army captured the city.

Ukraine's strong reaction

Only 12 Ukrainian accused were present in the court in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on Wednesday, while 11 others, including 9 women, had already returned to Ukraine under a prisoner swap. The court convicted them even in their absence. Ukraine's human rights envoy Dmytro Lubinets called the trial 'another sham trial' organized for Russia's 'own amusement'. He stressed that this is another example of political vendetta against Ukrainian citizens by Russia.

NATO's warning

Meanwhile, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has given a stern warning to Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said that the US-led military alliance will always stand with Poland or any other member country. He made it clear that if Russia attacks Poland, NATO's response will be 'devastating'. This statement was given during his visit to Warsaw, the capital of Poland.