In Ukraine, a member of the "Crimean Self-Defense" has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.

A participant of the illegal armed formation (IAF) “Self-Defense of Crimea” has been sentenced to 13 years in prison in Ukraine.

This was reported by the Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol.

Investigators indicate that in February 2014, the suspect took on the role of “commander of the 5th company.” Subsequently, along with his subordinates, he participated in the seizure of civilian infrastructure in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and in ensuring the operation of illegally established checkpoints.

“On February 26, 2014, the commander and his IAF company, armed with firearms, arrived at the building of the Verkhovna Rada of the ARC… Later, carrying out orders from the RF Armed Forces, the convicted individual ordered his “fighters” to occupy positions around the administrative building and the adjacent area to compel the speaker to hold an extraordinary session to conduct a “referendum” on the “independence of the peninsula,” the report states.

According to the statement, he was awarded medals “For the Defense of Crimea” and “For the Return of Crimea” for his services to the RF.

The report does not disclose the name of the suspect; however, an official who was not authorized to speak with the media and wished to remain anonymous told Krym.Realii that the individual in question is Andrii Liautin.

It is worth noting that the Ukrainian authorities have announced plans for the de-occupation of Crimea. They have also repeatedly called on Russian citizens who have illegally settled in temporarily occupied Crimea to leave the peninsula while there is still an opportunity.

During the Crimean Platform summit in August 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed conviction in the prosperous future of Crimea after its de-occupation.

The Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea has published a detailed guide on what civilians should do during combat operations in Crimea and the de-occupation of the peninsula.

Previously, the Crimean Human Rights Group called on Crimeans to send documents and other evidence confirming the commission of crimes in occupied Crimea.

Recently, ZMINA reported that an electronic service “You are in Ukraine” has been launched for Ukrainians living in temporarily occupied territories: it includes safety and resistance instructions, as well as access to a quality VPN and secure browser.