Healthy processed event from Hybrid War Tracker
Headline: A Latvian citizen was sentenced to six years imprisonment for illegal participation in the Russian army in Ukraine and for illegally crossing Latvia's external border in Šķilbēnu pagasts in 2024.
Short Summary: On June 2, 2025, the Riga City Court upheld a verdict sentencing a Latvian citizen to six years imprisonment with two years probation for unlawful participation in hostilities in Ukraine as part of the Russian army and for illegal crossing of Latvia's external border in Šķilbēnu pagasts in autumn 2024. The accused violated the Latvian National Security Law by signing a contract in 2023 to serve in the Russian armed forces, serving in the 80th Tank Regiment artillery unit in Chelyabinsk before deployment to the combat zone in Donetsk. There, he built defensive fortifications, served guard duties with Russian-issued weapons and ammunition, and participated in tactical battles and shooting training. Additionally, he illegally crossed into Latvia from Russia in autumn 2024. Mitigating factors included his guilty plea, cooperation with authorities, and willingness to pay procedural costs. The man was apprehended on October 7, 2024, by the Latvian State Border Guard at the border. The State Security Service continues investigation of the related criminal case. This case exemplifies Russia's use of foreign nationals to support its war efforts in Ukraine, violating Latvia's sovereignty and laws.
Extended Summary: On June 2, 2025, the Riga City Court upheld a verdict sentencing a Latvian citizen to six years imprisonment with two years probation for unlawful participation in hostilities in Ukraine as part of the Russian army and for illegal crossing of Latvia's external border in Šķilbēnu pagasts in autumn 2024. The accused violated the Latvian National Security Law by signing a contract in 2023 to serve in the Russian armed forces, serving in the 80th Tank Regiment artillery unit in Chelyabinsk before deployment to the combat zone in Donetsk. There, he built defensive fortifications, served guard duties with Russian-issued weapons and ammunition, and participated in tactical battles and shooting training. Additionally, he illegally crossed into Latvia from Russia in autumn 2024. Mitigating factors included his guilty plea, cooperation with authorities, and willingness to pay procedural costs. The man was apprehended on October 7, 2024, by the Latvian State Border Guard at the border. The State Security Service continues investigation of the related criminal case. This case exemplifies Russia's use of foreign nationals to support its war efforts in Ukraine, violating Latvia's sovereignty and laws.
The Riga City Court sentenced a Latvian citizen to six years of imprisonment plus two years probation for illegal military service with the Russian army in Ukraine and for illegal crossing of Latvia's external border in Šķilbēnu pagasts in autumn 2024. The man signed a contract in 2023 to serve in the Russian armed forces, started service in Chelyabinsk in the 80th Tank Regiment artillery unit, and was deployed in October 2024 to the combat zone in Donetsk region. He built defensive fortifications, performed guard duties with Russian-issued arms, and participated in tactical battles and shooting exercises. In autumn 2024, he illegally crossed Latvia's border from Russia. The accused admitted guilt and cooperated with authorities. He was arrested by the Latvian State Border Guard on October 7, 2024. The State Security Service is continuing the investigation of the case.
This event clearly describes hostile aggressor activity by a Latvian citizen illegally serving in the Russian military during the invasion of Ukraine and illegally crossing the Latvian border, violating Latvia's sovereignty and laws. There is no defensive or preparatory activity described.
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