A Russian military court has sentenced 12 members of Ukraine’s Azov regiment to lengthy prison terms, accusing them of terrorism and attempting to seize power by force. The court handed down sentences ranging from 13 to 23 years, further intensifying tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Harsh Sentences for Mariupol Defenders
The trial, held in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, targeted members of the Azov regiment, a military unit that played a critical role in defending Mariupol during the early months of the war. Russia, which considers Azov a terrorist organization, has long portrayed the unit as extremists. However, Ukraine and many Western countries reject this claim, seeing the fighters as national heroes.
According to Russian state media, the accused were convicted of engaging in terrorist activities and attempting to violently seize power. The defendants, who appeared in court with shaved heads, have denied the charges, with some claiming they were coerced into making confessions. They plan to appeal the verdict.
Prisoner Exchange Controversy
In addition to the 12 men sentenced in person, 11 others—who were previously returned to Ukraine in prisoner swaps—were sentenced in absentia. Among them were nine women who had served as army cooks. These convictions have raised concerns about the fairness of Russia’s judicial process, as Ukraine was not allowed to participate in the legal proceedings.
So far, Ukrainian officials have not issued a statement regarding the verdicts. However, human rights activists and international observers have criticized the sentencing as politically motivated, aimed at justifying Russia’s broader war efforts.
The Azov Regiment: Russia’s Target, Ukraine’s Heroes
The Azov regiment has been a major focus of Russian propaganda, with Moscow portraying its members as radical nationalists and neo-Nazis. The unit was originally founded in 2014 by Andriy Biletsky, a far-right nationalist, but later distanced itself from its origins. It was later integrated into Ukraine’s National Guard and restructured as a professional military unit, with Kyiv insisting that it no longer carries political affiliations.
For many Ukrainians, Azov fighters are symbols of resilience and defiance. Their last stand in Mariupol’s Azovstal steel plant became one of the most defining moments of the war. When Russian forces eventually took control of the city in May 2022, around 2,500 fighters surrendered after months of intense bombardment. At the time, Russian President Vladimir Putin had promised they would be treated in accordance with international standards—a pledge now in question.
More Convictions Expected
This latest sentencing follows previous convictions of Azov members in Russian courts. Earlier this month, Russia’s Investigative Committee revealed that at least 145 members of the regiment had already been sentenced. Given the large number of captured Ukrainian soldiers, more trials are expected in the coming months.
The verdict is likely to escalate tensions between Russia and Ukraine, especially as international pressure mounts over the treatment of prisoners of war. Human rights groups have called for independent investigations into allegations of forced confessions and unfair trials. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to push for the release of its soldiers, using diplomatic channels and negotiations for further prisoner exchanges.
As the war rages on, these trials highlight the deep divisions and hostilities that define the conflict, with no clear resolution in sight.
