For the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has transferred a Russian serviceman to another country — Lithuania — for criminal prosecution over war crimes. The move marks a historic precedent for international justice, Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said in a statement.
The suspect is a senior sailor of the Russian military police, captured by Ukrainian forces near Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region. According to the investigation, he was involved in torture, beatings, and the inhumane treatment of civilians and prisoners of war.
One of his victims was a Lithuanian citizen, which prompted Ukraine to hand him over to Lithuanian authorities.
On October 30, the Vilnius District Court, at the request of Lithuania’s Prosecutor General’s Office, placed the suspect in custody for three months. In Lithuania, he has been formally charged under articles of the Criminal Code covering war crimes, torture, unlawful imprisonment, and violations of the Geneva Conventions.
Kravchenko said the Russian soldier faces life imprisonment if convicted. The transfer became possible through the coordinated work of the Joint Investigation Team “Ukraine Case” and close cooperation with Lithuanian law enforcement.
“This is not just a legal action — it is a clear signal to every war criminal: you cannot hide from justice in any free country of the world. Justice will prevail,” the Prosecutor General stressed.
Kravchenko also discussed the case with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė.