Russian court targets foreign participants in Ukraine fighting photo

A Russian court has sentenced two foreign nationals in absentia after finding them guilty of participating in the armed conflict in Ukraine, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee.

Ivica Zurak, a 39-year-old citizen of Croatia, was convicted after the court ruled that evidence collected by the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation was sufficient to support the verdict.

“The investigation and the court established that in May 2023, Zurak arrived on the territory of Ukraine and, acting as a mercenary, joined the International Legion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Ground Forces. At training bases, he underwent military training, acquired the necessary skills to participate in the armed conflict, and was provided with personal firearms,” the Investigative Committee’s press service said.

Zurak has been placed on an international wanted list. The court ordered his detention in absentia as a preventive measure and sentenced him to 14 years in prison, to be served in a high-security penal colony.

In a separate case, 38-year-old Argentine citizen Valdo Tomas Kun was also found guilty in absentia of taking part in the armed conflict in Ukraine. The Russian court likewise concluded that the evidence gathered by investigators was sufficient to issue a conviction.

“The investigation and the court established that in August 2023, Kun arrived in Ukraine and, acting as a mercenary, joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. There he underwent military training and, for financial compensation, took part in combat operations against Russian servicemen until the autumn of 2025,” the Investigative Committee’s press service reported.

Kun has also been placed on an international wanted list. The court ordered his detention in absentia and sentenced him to 14 years’ imprisonment in a high-security penal colony.

By Tamilla Hasanova