Translated material
Sentenced in absentia for financing Azov
On June 3, 2026, the Southern District Military Court issued a verdict in absentia in a criminal case under Part 4 of Art. 205.1 of the Criminal Code (organization or financing of assistance to terrorist activities) in relation to Dmitry and Nadezhda Valuev.
According to the court, on October 16, 2022 and January 12, 2023, the Valuevs created foreign non-profit non-governmental organizations with the goal of uniting Russians living in the United States to organize protests against the SVO and raise funds for Ukrainian paramilitary forces. This refers to the recognized undesirable organization Russian America for Democracy in Russia and, according to Valuev, Freedom Birds for Ukraine. They created appropriate channels on the Internet, where on January 5, 2024 they announced a collection of $12,500 for the purchase of drones to support the activities of the Azov regiment. After collecting the money, it was transferred to Azov.
The court sentenced Valuev to 18 years in a maximum security penal colony with the first 3 years to be served in prison. Valuev - to 17 years in a general regime correctional colony.
Sources
- The verdict was announced in a criminal case of a terrorist nature // Southern District Military Court. 2026. June 3.
- A military court sentenced in absentia 17 and 18 years in prison to the founders of the organization Russian America for Democracy in Russia // Mediazona. 2026. June 3.