Ukraine sentences soldier in absentia for desertion while in Russian captivity

A Ukrainian court sentenced soldier Volodymyr Kolyada to 8 years for desertion committed early in the full-scale war, marking the first such verdict issued while the defendant is in Russian captivity. The case signals Ukraine's intent to prosecute desertion even when the accused is held by the enemy, potentially affecting morale and legal precedent. The reliability of the report is moderate, based on investigative journalism.