News

 The evidence gathered by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has been deemed sufficient by court to pass a verdict in absentia for Israeli citizen Denis Desyatnik. He has been found guilty of committing a crime under Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the RF (mercenary activity).

The investigation and court have established that Desyatnik, an active supporter of nationalist ideas who gained combat experience during his service in the Israel Defense Forces and the country’s Border Police, voluntarily joined Ukraine’s International Legion as a mercenary in February-March 2022. He was provided with personal firearms, ammunition, uniforms, and special equipment. At training bases in Ukraine, Desyatnik underwent military training focused on firearm handling, as well as strategies and tactics for participating in armed conflict. He was also supplied with food and other necessities, and received financial compensation.

From March 2022 to June 2024, Desyatnik actively participated in combat operations on the side of Ukraine’s armed forces, volunteer units, and combat divisions of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense against Russian military personnel, receiving regular payments for his participation.

At the request of the investigation, a measure of restraint in the form of pretrial detention was imposed on Desyatnik in absentia. The court sentenced him to 10 years of imprisonment in a high-security correctional colony.