- The Kremlin warned that if the UK appeals the death sentence granted to two British fighters captured in Ukraine, Russia “would be ready to listen.”
- Russia has already stated that it is not up to them to decide what occur.
- They are not in charge of this situation.
The Kremlin warned that if the UK appeals the death sentence granted to two British fighters captured in Ukraine, Russia “would be ready to listen.”
Last week, Aiden Aslin and Sean Pinner, as well as Moroccan national Brahim Saadoun, were informed that they would be executed by firing squad for allegedly fighting for Ukraine as mercenaries.
They were exhausted from what the UK has described as ‘sham’ proceedings in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic in eastern Ukraine, which is ruled by Russia-backed separatists.
Russia has already stated that it is not up to them to decide what occurs because they are not in charge of the situation.
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Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, has now confirmed that Russia has influence over the matter, albeit he has emphasized that they would not be the ones to formally hear the appeal.
He said that neither Moscow nor the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine who handed down the sentence had received any notification from London.
However, he stated that they would be willing to entertain a UK appeal over the fate of the two Britons.
‘You need to apply … to the authorities of the country whose court passed the verdict, and that is not the Russian Federation,’ Peskov said.
‘But, of course, everything will depend on appeals from London.
‘And I am sure that the Russian side will be ready to listen.’
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Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said yesterday that the best way to free the men was ‘through the Ukrainians,’ but that she would do ‘whatever it takes’ to achieve their release.
Separatist officials stated that each of the three had one month to appeal their sentences.
Because the United Kingdom does not recognize the Donetsk People’s Republic as a separate state from Ukraine, it may be hesitant to cooperate with officials there for fear of being held up as an example of international recognition.
Kyiv has promised to work with Russia to obtain the men’s release through a prisoner swap.
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