Five Ukrainian soldiers sentenced for terrorism in Russia

A Moscow court has sentenced five Ukrainian soldiers to prison for up to 17 years, labeling them as terrorists. This ruling is a result of their involvement in an incursion into Russia's Kursk region. Oleksandr Vedernikov received the longest sentence at 17 years, while Oleksiy Pinchuk and Yevgen Khatenko were each given 16 years. Oleksandr Dzyoma and Denys Popov were sentenced to 15 years. The court found the soldiers guilty of committing acts that resulted in serious consequences, including firing on Russian military personnel and civilians. The indictments mentioned that the soldiers had invaded the Kursk region in August and September 2024, establishing positions and laying mines. Visuals from the courtroom showed the soldiers in handcuffs, dressed in prison uniforms, and escorted by armed guards. Prosecutors stated they will serve their sentences in maximum security prisons, indicating they will not be recognized as prisoners of war. The case gained attention as Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the treatment of Ukrainian troops, calling them terrorists during a visit to the Kursk area. This judgment came shortly after a phone call between Putin and Donald Trump about a potential ceasefire.