Heroes of the defence of Mariupol in the occupation court (dnr).Photo: Mariupol City Council.
In the temporarily occupied Donetsk, a pseudo-department of the ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ sentenced nine Ukrainian servicemen, accusing them of allegedly shelling the village of Staryi Krym in March 2022. The defenders of Mariupol were sentenced to terms ranging from 24 years in prison to life imprisonment. This was reported by Time Ukraine Israel, citing the telegram channel of the Mariupol City Council.
Heroes who were targeted by the occupation regime
Among the convicts are soldiers of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Andrey Shestak, Nazariy Moroz, Vladislav Yavorsky, Vadim Shulga, Sergey Yampolsky, Maxim Kolbasin, Dmitry Shalara, Vladimir Penzin and Konstantin Romaniuk. All of them distinguished themselves with heroism during the defence of Mariupol, in particular on the territory of Azovstal. After months of heavy fighting, they were taken prisoner by Russia.
“Court” as an instrument of repression
The verdicts handed down by the pseudo-court are yet another example of a violation of international law. The occupation structures are trying to legitimise their actions by holding show trials. Cruel punishments are aimed at discrediting Ukraine’s defenders and intimidating Ukrainian society.
The world’s reaction and the struggle for freedom
Ukraine and the international community strongly condemn the actions of the occupiers. Governments of democratic states, human rights organisations and the United Nations have been constantly calling for the release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war. Nevertheless, Russia ignores these appeals and continues to use the prisoners for propaganda.
The world must remain united in putting pressure on the Kremlin to secure the release of our heroes. The defenders of Mariupol continue to be a symbol of the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people.