Russia sentences Israeli-British citizen in absentia to 14 years for mercenary activity

A Russian court has found sufficient evidence collected by the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia and handed down an in absentia sentence to Israeli citizen and British national Aryeh Ben-Yehuda.

He was convicted on charges of “participation as a mercenary in an armed conflict,” Caliber.Az reports, citing the Russian Investigative Committee.

According to investigators, Ben-Yehuda arrived in Ukraine in March 2022 and voluntarily joined the International Legion intending to receive financial compensation. He reportedly underwent military training and was provided with small arms, ammunition, and equipment.

The investigation and the court established that until the summer of 2024, he took part in combat operations in Donbas as a member of the International Legion and the “Arey” battalion of the 129th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The court sentenced him to 14 years in prison. He has been placed on an international wanted list.

By Khagan Isayev