Ukrainian POW facing terrorism trial in Russia dies in captivity

A Ukrainian soldier facing terrorism charges in Russia has died in captivity, according to the website of a Russian military court, which says his case was closed because of his death.

The court’s online records did not name him, but the independent news outlet Mediazona identified him as Ruslan Romanov. The records were updated on 15 October.

Romanov was accused of belonging to a terrorist group, belonging to an organisation that Russia has designated as terrorist, and receiving terrorist training. Russia has brought the same charges against other captured members of Ukraine’s Azov and Aidar battalions, Mediazona said.

His case was sent to the Southern District Military Court in August, and the most recent hearing was held on 22 September. It was not clear whether he attended.

It was also not clear what specifically he was accused of, when or how he was captured, or which unit he served in, Mediazona said.