News

The evidence collected by the Russian Investigative Committee has been deemed sufficient by the Supreme Court of the Donetsk People's Republic to sentence U.S. citizen Mark William Ellerbrook in absentia. He has been found guilty of committing a crime under Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (participation of a mercenary in an armed conflict).

The investigation and the court established that in 2022, Ellerbrook arrived in Ukraine to participate in combat on the side of Ukrainian armed forces for monetary compensation. As a mercenary, he joined the 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Koshovy Ataman Ivan Sirko (Military Unit A0501) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ellerbrook underwent military training and received personal firearms, ammunition, uniforms, and special equipment.

From March 2022 to June 2023, Ellerbrook participated in combat on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces against the military personnel of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics and the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, systematically receiving monetary compensation for his involvement.

The court sentenced Ellerbrook in absentia to 14 years of imprisonment to be served in a high-security correctional colony. He has been placed on an international wanted list.