Two Russian-backed militants get prison terms for using phosphorus bombs against Ukrainians

This was reported by the SBU press service.

Ukrainian defenders took both militants prisoner during the Armed Forces' counteroffensive operations near Bakhmut. The invaders' accomplices confessed to using banned phosphorus bombs against the civilian infrastructure of Popasna, Luhansk region, and looting the Myronivska TPP and private houses in the Donetsk region.

"According to the investigation, one of the convicts has been fighting against Ukraine since 2014. Then he, a resident of Luhansk region, joined the terrorist groups of the Russian militant Kozitsyn and shelled ATO positions in the Svitlodarsk bulge area. After the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, he joined the 85th separate motorized rifle brigade of the Russian armed forces," the SBU said.

It is known that the collaborator took part in battles in the Bakhmut area, including to deter the Ukrainian counteroffensive near the village of Klishchiivka.

Another convict is also from Luhansk region, he joined the occupation forces in February 2022 and underwent tactical and fire training at a training ground to conduct assault operations in urban infrastructure.

Russia's accomplice fought in the Bakhmut direction and fired at Ukrainian positions near the village of Kurdiumivka.

One terrorist was sentenced to 10 years in prison for cooperating with the investigation, and another was sentenced to 15 years.

• Last year, it was reported that the Russians used phosphorus bombs against Azovstal's defenders.