The Second Western District Military Court has handed down a 23-year sentence to ex-Russian military officer Anton Khozhaev, who sought to join the Russian Freedom Legion, according to Mediazona.
Khozhaev faced charges including leading a terrorist organization, treason, money laundering, and attempting to defect to the enemy. His sentence begins with five years in prison before transfer to a high-security penal colony, along with fines amounting to 590,000 rubles.
The court also ordered the destruction of his Legion membership application while ruling that the Ukrainian flag confiscated from him be returned. Prosecutors had sought a 24-year sentence.
Authorities allege Khozhaev shared Russian military intelligence and facility details with Ukraine for payment, while also collaborating with the Legion and the Crimean resistance group Atesh.
Khozhaev maintains his innocence, claiming during trial proceedings that he endured torture.
A former student at the Air Force's Military Training and Research Center specializing in drone operations, Khozhaev was expelled in March 2022 but remained bound by his Defense Ministry contract. His arrest occurred during an attempted border crossing into Ukraine.