Russian Engineer Sentenced to 18 Years for Supporting Ukrainian Paramilitary Forces

A Russian nuclear engineer has been sentenced to 18 years in a high-security prison for contributing to paramilitary groups in Ukraine that include Russian citizens, according to a report from the Kommersant business newspaper on Wednesday, which referenced court documents.

Ruslan Shadiyev, a researcher at the Russian Federal Nuclear Center (RFNC–VNIIEF) located in Sarov, Nizhny Novgorod region, was found guilty of treason and providing support to terrorist activities by the Second Western District Military Court.

Investigators revealed that Shadiyev made a transfer of approximately 1,200 rubles (around $13) from his cryptocurrency account to the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps—both groups comprised of Russian citizens fighting alongside Ukraine, which the Kremlin has classified as terrorist entities.

Additionally, some of the funds were reported to have been sent to Idite Lesom (“Get Lost”), a human rights organization aiding Russians in evading military service, which has been labeled a «foreign agent» by prosecutors.

In court, Shadiyev requested a lighter sentence, claiming he was unaware of the organizations’ terrorist status and thought he was aiding those in need.

Kommersant also reported that his family later sold some property and contributed several million rubles to support Russia’s military efforts in an attempt to ease the repercussions of his actions.

Nevertheless, the court upheld its original verdict, dismissing his appeal. His legal team intends to contest the decision before the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court.

Shadiyev’s case occurs amidst a broader crackdown under Russia’s treason and espionage laws following the invasion of Ukraine.

Data from the Kirill Parubets Analytical Center indicates that Russian courts issued 224 treason or espionage sentences in the first half of 2025 alone, the highest rate in contemporary Russian history.

Throughout this period, 232 individuals were charged, resulting in an average of nearly two convictions per working day. In comparison, a total of 167 people were convicted under similar laws in 2023, with 143 convictions in the first half of 2024. Every case ended in a guilty verdict and a tangible prison sentence.