Russian Soldier Gets Life Sentence in Landmark Ukrainian War Crimes Trial

A Ukrainian court has sentenced Russian soldier Dmitry Kurashov, 27, to life imprisonment for the execution of surrendered Ukrainian soldier Vitalii Hodniuk in January 2024. This marks the first life sentence imposed on a Russian serviceman for killing a prisoner of war since the full-scale invasion began. Evidence, including witness accounts and scene footage, confirmed Kurashov shot Hodniuk at point-blank range despite the captive emerging unarmed with hands raised.

Kurashov had joined Russia’s Storm V penal unit after being recruited from prison with the promise of freedom in exchange for military service. Although he initially pleaded guilty, he later denied responsibility, blaming a medic who, according to other captured Russian soldiers, was not present during the shooting. Prosecutors argued Kurashov displayed no genuine remorse and knowingly followed illegal orders not to take Ukrainian prisoners alive.

Ukraine’s intelligence and legal bodies say more than 150 similar executions of POWs by Russian forces have been documented since 2022, suggesting a possible pattern or policy. While some accusations have also been made against Ukrainian troops for killing Russian captives, officials stress those instances are far fewer and under investigation.

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