The ex-commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet was sentenced to 15 years in prison

The ex-commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, who ensured the military occupation of Crimea, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

A vice admiral, ex-commander of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, who led military units during the invasion of the territory of the Republic of Crimea, was convicted of a public indictment by the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Prosecutor General’s Office reported.

The commander of the naval forces of the aggressor state was found guilty of committing a number of crimes against the foundations of Ukraine’s national security.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The court also satisfied the prosecutor’s civil claim and ordered to collect over 1 trillion UAH of damages from the convicted person for the benefit of Ukraine.

Prosecutors proved in court that from February 20 to March 21, 2014, the commander of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, together with representatives of the authorities and armed forces of Russia, planned and organized the dispersal at the facilities of military units of the Russian army. They directly invaded the territory of Crimea.

The convict also blocked military units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, DPS, and internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine with units of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. All efforts were directed at hindering their legal activities, seizing and damaging military equipment at the air, sea and coastal defense facilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In addition, during the trial, it was proven that the convicted person incited Ukrainian military servicemen-citizens of Ukraine to commit treason. He persuaded and bribed them with promises of further service on new ships of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, the Prosecutor General’s Office said.