Russia sentenced Brazilian national Dionas Rocembach Martins, 35, to 14 years in prison in absentia for allegedly fighting alongside Ukraine as a “mercenary,” Russian authorities said. (Foto: Instagram)
Russia has sentenced Dionas Rocembach Martins, a 35-year-old Brazilian, to 14 years in prison for allegedly fighting alongside Ukraine as a “mercenary.” The Russian Investigative Committee announced the decision Friday, Nov. 6.
Investigators said Martins arrived in Ukraine in 2023 and joined the country’s forces, which are led by President Volodymyr Zelensky. He was reportedly recruited to serve with the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine, established early in the conflict to attract foreign fighters and help Ukraine counter Russia’s military superiority.
The Kremlin has characterized Martins as a mercenary, a term for someone who takes part in a war for financial gain. The report notes, however, that foreigners who join the fight become part of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Martins was convicted in absentia by the Supreme Court of the Donetsk People’s Republic, a Ukrainian region occupied by Russia. His whereabouts are unknown, and Russian authorities have placed him on an international wanted list.
