Russian soldier who killed Ukrainian POWs sentenced to life photo

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced that another Russian serviceman has received a life sentence after a court reviewed evidence documenting his involvement in the killing and mistreatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Following these actions, he was captured by Ukrainian forces in the Kharkiv region.

According to the SBU’s statement on its Telegram channel, the convicted individual is a 36-year-old Russian national, Sergey Tuzhilov, known by the call sign “Altay.” He served as a rifleman-assault soldier in the 69th Motorised Rifle Division of the Leningrad Military District. Prior to being mobilised, Tuzhilov had twice served prison terms in Russia for drug-related offences and robbery.

The investigation determined that in June 2024, Tuzhilov was operating near Vovchansk. During the assault on a local industrial facility, he and another Russian soldier killed three Ukrainian servicemen who had been taken captive.

Tuzhilov personally took part in the killing of one of the prisoners, and he was also responsible for selecting locations where two other captives were later executed. He guarded the perimeter during these acts. Before the killings occurred, the prisoners had been restrained and subjected to abuse.

A few weeks later, Ukrainian forces eliminated Tuzhilov’s unit, and he was taken prisoner as the sole surviving member.

The court found him guilty under provisions of Ukraine’s Criminal Code concerning aiding and participating in the cruel treatment of prisoners of war, intentional homicide, and the commission of war crimes carried out in coordination with others.

By Tamilla Hasanova