A pro-Russian prosecutor revealed that foreign fighters who were captured by Russian troops in Ukraine could face the death penalty.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, thousands of fighters from around the world – consisting mostly of those from the United States and the European Union – have answered President Zelensky’s call for aid.
While the West didn’t send armies to embattled Ukraine, countless volunteers signed private contracts to join the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces.
A number of foreign soldiers have since been captured by Russian troops in Ukraine.
Among them are also UK nationals 48-year-old Royal Anglian Regiment veteran Shaun Pinner and 28-year-old Aiden Aslin.
The pair was captured by the invaders while fighting in the port city of Mariupol.
Following their arrest, Andrei Spivak, the pro-Russian prosecutor of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, said the two fighters were “acting deliberately as part of the armed forces of Ukraine, being on the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic in a time of war.”
While smirking, he accused them of “violating the constitution, firing artillery shells, committing terrorist acts, murdering citizens and threatening civilians.”
Spivak also went on to say the pair could now face the death penalty.
“They are charged with a number of crimes against civilians of the Donetsk People’s Republic. The maximum punishment for these crimes is the death penalty,” he added.
While Russia banned capital punishment back in 1996, it is not clear how Russian authorities reacted to Spivak’s bold comments.
Responding to the charges, however, was Aiden Aslin whom his captors recorded saying:
“I understand fully what I am accused off and I agree with it fully up to the part about murdering civilians. I don’t agree with [that].
“I agree with the fact that I fought on the territory of the [DPR], and fought against soldiers in peaceful settlements.”
What are your thoughts on this matter? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to SHARE this post with your family and friends. For more news and stories, follow us on Facebook!
Recommended Video For You!
Squatters Steal Soldier’s Home, Then His Brothers In Uniform Show Up To Serve Up Justice