Ukrainian Man Sentenced to 25 Years by Russian Court on Sabotage Charges

Sentences Handed Down to Ukrainians in Russia

According to Главком: A Russian military court, the Second Western District Military Court, has sentenced 39-year-old Ukrainian citizen Dmytro Balog to 25 years in prison. He was found guilty of involvement in sabotage and terrorist groups, carrying out terrorist acts and sabotage, as well as treason. Balog will serve the first five years in a prison facility, with the remainder of his sentence to be served in a high-security penal colony.

According to the prosecution, Balog participated in setting fire to relay cabinets, equipment on a cell tower, and buses parked at the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Domodedovo. He is also accused of torching a vehicle belonging to a Russian soldier that displayed the letter Z, and of plotting an attack on a military base. During the trial, Balog stated that he

“made initial confessions under torture”

, adding that

“security forces used a stun gun on him, tied him to a chair, and threatened his family”

.

Other Sentences

Separately, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Ukrainian citizen Roman Kliukin to 22 years in prison on espionage and terrorism charges. According to law enforcement, in October 2024 Kliukin signed a contract with the Noman Çelebicihan Crimean Tatar Battalion, where he served as a combat medic.

Additionally, a military court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced nine Ukrainians to prison terms ranging from 14 to 20 years for allegedly plotting terrorist attacks against collaborator officials. Specifically:

• Businessman Kostiantyn Reznik received 20 years in a high-security penal colony, with the first five years to be served in a prison.
• Serhii Kabakov was also sentenced to 20 years in a high-security penal colony.
• Serhii Heidt received 17 years under similar conditions.

These verdicts highlight a growing trend of repression against Ukrainian citizens in Russia, who are accused of terrorism and espionage. Such cases have drawn significant international attention and may further strain diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Russia. A key concern is the allegation of torture during interrogations, which raises doubts about the fairness of these trials and has alarmed international human rights organizations.

In a related case, another Ukrainian national, Roman Kliukin, has been sentenced to 22 years for espionage, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on Ukrainians in Russia. This situation underscores the severe legal consequences faced by individuals accused of political dissent or involvement with military groups. For more details on Kliukin's case, you can read about it here.