Betrayed their oath: former Ukrainian soldiers in Crimea face up to 15 years in prison
Twelve former servicemen of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who switched to Russia’s side following the occupation of Crimea, have been formally charged with treason and desertion. According to law enforcement, the suspects are accused of deliberately violating their Military Oath and cooperating with the armed forces of an aggressor state.
The penalties under the relevant articles include up to 15 years in prison with property confiscation.
Investigators established that in March 2014, after Russian forces seized the peninsula, the suspects failed to report to their new postings, abandoning their Ukrainian military units.
Instead, they joined Russian armed formations stationed in occupied Crimea.
Currently, they serve in the air defense units of the Russian Aerospace Forces and the naval infantry of the Black Sea Fleet. Authorities emphasise that all individuals involved had previously sworn a Military Oath, committing to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Despite this, they knowingly breached their duty to the state, refused to follow Ukrainian command, and supported the occupiers.
Previously, Volodymyr Orlov revealed details of the NABU indictment.
Additionally, the Shevchenkivskyi Court refused to suspend the head of the Kyiv City State Administration Finance Department, Volodymyr Repik.
