Russian court sentences Czech woman in absentia

A Russian court has sentenced a Czech woman in absentia to 13 years in prison for allegedly fighting on the side of Ukraine, the Investigative Committee - Russia’s main federal criminal authority - announced on Monday. Investigators claim the 24-year-old served in Ukraine’s 59th Brigade from November 2023 to June 2024 and was convicted under Russian law of mercenary participation in an armed conflict, as she allegedly received payment.

The spokesperson for the Czech Foreign Ministry, Daniel Drake, said the Ministry is closely monitoring the case and he questioned the independence of Russia’s judiciary, citing political influence and a lack of rule of law.