Trial in Russia: Two Ukrainians from Kakhovka Receive 12 Years in Prison

The Rostov Regional Court sentenced two Ukrainians from Kakhovka to 12 years in prison in an espionage case.

According to Radio Liberty, Maksim Makhno and Sergey Tkachenko were sentenced to prison terms illegally.

According to international law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, only properly constituted courts whose judicial guarantees are “recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples” have the right to sentence prisoners. The judicial institutions in the territory of the aggressor country do not meet these criteria in any way. As for civilians, the Russian occupation authorities had no right to detain or prosecute them at all.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

The Rostov Region Prosecutor's Office reported the verdict. According to the agency, in August 2022, Makhno collected information about the location of personnel and military equipment of the Russian army in occupied Kakhovka in the Kherson region. It is alleged that he passed this information to the SBU. Later, Tkachenko allegedly did the same.

The FSB was investigating the case. It is unknown who represented the interests of the accused in the Russian court and what the arguments of the defense were.

Prepared by: Nina Petrovich