On June 2, 2025, the Riga City Court upheld a verdict sentencing a Latvian citizen to six years imprisonment with two years probation for unlawful participation in hostilities in Ukraine as part of the Russian army and for illegal crossing of Latvia’s external border in Šķilbēnu pagasts in autumn 2024. The accused violated the Latvian National Security Law by signing a contract in 2023 to serve in the Russian armed forces, serving in the 80th Tank Regiment artillery unit in Chelyabinsk before deployment to the combat zone in Donetsk. There, he built defensive fortifications, served guard duties with Russian-issued weapons and ammunition, and participated in tactical battles and shooting training. Additionally, he illegally crossed into Latvia from Russia in autumn 2024. Mitigating factors included his guilty plea, cooperation with authorities, and willingness to pay procedural costs. The man was apprehended on October 7, 2024, by the Latvian State Border Guard at the border. The State Security Service continues investigation of the related criminal case. This case exemplifies Russia’s use of foreign nationals to support its war efforts in Ukraine, violating Latvia’s sovereignty and laws.
Category: Military & Paramilitary Operations
Subcategory: Conventional Military Pressure
Incident Type: Troop movements near borders
Country: Latvia
Source report: www.delfi.lv/161/crimi…
