Three Ukrainian teenagers sentenced in Russia on terrorism charges
Three Ukrainian teenagers from Melitopol have been sentenced in Russia on terrorism charges. At the time of their detention, the boys were only 16–17 years old, and the sentences range from 7 to 8.5 years in prison. This was reported by Bring Kids Back UA on Facebook.
The Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don delivered the verdict on 19 March 2026: Viktor Azarovskyi received 8 years and 6 months, Oleh Shokol – 7 years and 6 months, Denys Vasylyk – 7 years of imprisonment. Despite their age, the boys were held for more than two years in poor conditions, subjected to beatings, torture and psychological pressure, and transferred between different detention centres, including the notorious Taganrog Pre-trial detention center No. 2.
According to Viktor Azarovskyi’s lawyer, he suffered from serious health problems: he could not sleep or eat, and the skin on his hands was covered with wounds. The trial was held behind closed doors, without access for international observers and independent organisations. “This is not justice. This is the persecution of children and a war crime,” Bring Kids Back UA emphasised.
The Ukrainian organisation also stressed that Russia systematically uses unlawful detentions, torture and questionable trials as a tool of pressure on Ukrainian children, violating international humanitarian law. “That is why the return of every Ukrainian child remains an unconditional priority for Ukraine,” Bring Kids Back UA added.
Also, a Ukrainian soldier spent 16 months underground on the front line.
Russia attacked Sumy: a 70-year-old man was injured.
