On April 20, 2026, the Main Investigative Department of the National Police of Ukraine notified a Moscow-based judge of suspicion under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for sentencing a Ukrainian prisoner of war on “terrorism” charges.

Suspect

Dmitry Ivanov (born February 1, 1976) is a citizen of the Russian Federation and a native of Sergiev Posad (Zagorsk), Moscow Oblast.

At the time of the alleged offense, he served as a judge of the 2nd Western District Military Court of the Russian Federation (37 Arbat Street, Moscow).

Circumstances of the case

On December 23, 2024, a junior lieutenant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — commander of the 3rd assault platoon of the 3rd assault company of the 1st assault battalion of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade named after Kosh Ataman Ivan Sirko — was captured by Russian forces during a combat operation in Russia’s Kursk region.

Under Articles 4 and 5 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, he automatically obtained prisoner-of-war status, meaning he is protected under international humanitarian law and cannot be prosecuted for participation in hostilities.

Despite this, unidentified Russian law enforcement officers initiated criminal proceedings against him on terrorism charges — effectively for taking part in combat operations.

On August 12, 2025, the case was referred to the 2nd Western District Military Court. On August 15, it was assigned to Judge Ivanov.

On September 24, 2025, between 12:00 and 15:10 local time, Ivanov issued a verdict on behalf of the Russian Federation, finding the Ukrainian officer guilty and sentencing him to 14 years in prison.

On March 19, 2026, the Military Court of Appeal of the Russian Federation upheld the verdict.

Notice of suspicion

Under Article 99 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, prisoners of war may not be prosecuted for participation in hostilities.

Judge Ivanov’s actions are classified under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — violation of the laws and customs of war. He is suspected of intentionally depriving a protected person of the right to a fair trial.

The criminal proceedings were registered in the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations under No. 12025000000002045 on July 16, 2025.

On March 23, two other judges of the 2nd Western District Military Court of the Russian Federation — Eduard Borisov and Oleg Shishov — were also notified of similar suspicions.