Russia opens first treason case against serviceman who fought in Ukraine

A Russian military court has begun hearing what is believed to be the country’s first treason case against a serviceman who took part in the invasion of Ukraine, Sibir.Realii, the Siberian affiliate of RFE/RL, reported on Tuesday.

The Southern District Military Court, in Rostov-on-Don, is considering charges of treason against Anton Kuruu, a 26-year-old serviceman from the republic of Tyva in southern Siberia.

Court records show that a preliminary hearing scheduled for 8 December was adjourned, and proceedings were postponed again on 17 December after Kuruu failed to appear in court. It is unclear when the criminal case was opened, what specific actions Kuruu is accused of, and where he is currently located.

Kuruu, who was born in Kyzyl, the capital of Tyva, was politically active from a young age, Sibir.Realii reported, having joined the Young Guard of United Russia, a youth movement of Russia’s ruling party, taking part in what local media described as “socially useful activities, educational events and preventative patrols together with law enforcement officers”.

Having later founded a regional branch of the pro-Kremlin Volunteers of Victory movement in Tyva, Kuruu took part in the Immortal Regiment march on Red Square in 2018, in which people across Russia march with photos of their ancestors who fought in World War II.

Kuruu went to the front at the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On 6 March 2022, Ukrainian military intelligence published a list of Russian servicemen involved in the invasion that included his name. He reportedly served as a private in a tank brigade.

In May 2023, Kuruu received a commendation from the head of Tyva for the “conscientious performance of his official duty” and was described in a government press release as a deputy platoon commander. It is unclear whether or not he subsequently returned to the front.