On February 25, 2026, the Main Investigation Department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) served notices of suspicion on two russian judges who had deliberately handed down unlawful sentences to Ukrainian prisoners of war – Azov fighters captured at Azovstal.
What is known about the suspects
Artem Aleksandrovich Shalaev (born March 12, 1989) – a native of the village of Vyselki, Krasnodar Krai, russia. Judge of the Southern District Military Court of the russian federation in Rostov-on-Don.
Gurgen Serzhikovich Dovlatbekyan (born June 1, 1984) – a native of Yerevan. Judge of the same court.
Circumstances of the crime
Both victims are servicemen of the Azov Separate Special Purpose Detachment of the 12th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine. They took part in the defense of Mariupol in the winter and spring of 2022 and were captured near Azovstal: one on May 16, 2022, and the other on May 18, 2022.
Under the Geneva Convention, they immediately acquired prisoner-of-war status – meaning they are protected persons who may not be prosecuted for lawful participation in hostilities.
Despite this status, in 2024 unidentified russian law enforcement officials initiated criminal proceedings against the Ukrainian servicemen. They were charged with “undergoing training for the purpose of carrying out terrorist activities” and “participation in a terrorist organization” under articles of the russian Criminal Code – provisions russia systematically uses to criminalize Ukrainian soldiers’ lawful defense of their country.
The cases were referred to the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don and assigned to Judges Shalaev and Dovlatbekyan.
On November 27, 2024, Judge Dovlatbekyan heard the case of a chief sergeant responsible for logistics. The hearing lasted from 14:30 to 17:50. He was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment.
On December 3, 2024, Judge Shalaev heard the case of a junior sergeant, a squad commander. The hearing lasted from 10:00 to 12:55. The outcome was the same – 18 years’ imprisonment.
Legal qualification
Sentencing prisoners of war protected under international law for participation in an armed conflict constitutes a gross violation of Article 99 of the Geneva Convention, which prohibits prosecuting prisoners of war for lawful military service.
The SBU’s Main Investigation Department has notified Shalaev and Dovlatbekyan of suspicion of violating the laws and customs of war under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.