A court in eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed authorities has sentenced two Colombian citizens to long prison terms after finding them guilty of fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.
According to Russian state media, the two men were captured during battles in the Donetsk region and accused of working as foreign mercenaries against Russian troops.
The court, which operates under the control of Moscow-backed separatists, sentenced the Colombians to 23 and 25 years in prison, respectively.
Ukraine has condemned the verdict, describing it as “illegal and politically motivated,” while Colombia’s foreign ministry has demanded consular access and fair treatment for its detained citizens.
The case underscores Russia’s ongoing efforts to punish foreign fighters supporting Ukraine, as the war enters its third year with no clear end in sight.