Two Ukrainian prisoners of war have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms – 17 and 20 years respectively – by a Russian court. The convictions relate to their service within the Azov Regiment during the defense of Mariupol. Russia designated Azov as a terrorist organization in August 2022, forming the basis for the charges against the soldiers. Details regarding the specific charges beyond their affiliation with Azov have not been widely released. International legal observers have condemned the trials as politically motivated and a violation of the Geneva Conventions, which protect prisoners of war. These sentences are part of a pattern of legal proceedings against Ukrainian soldiers captured during the conflict. The rulings underscore the Kremlin’s efforts to delegitimize the Azov Regiment and its fighters.