A Ukrainian marine has been sentenced to five years in prison for refusing to cross the Dnieper River in Krynyky

A Ukrainian marine has been sentenced to five years in prison for refusing to cross the Dnipro River to secure positions in Krynky, Kherson Oblast.

This information reported according to the Judicial and Legal Gazette, citing court records.

The native of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast served in a mobilization capacity as a gunner-operator in one of the marine brigades. On November 5, 2023, the company commander issued an order to the unit to cross the Dnipro in the Kherson Oblast and secure positions in Krynky, taking control of the intersection there.

During the assembly, he recorded the proceedings on his mobile phone, possibly anticipating someone refusing to comply with the order. The serviceman publicly expressed his disagreement with the order and refused to carry it out. Soon after, he was charged with disobedience committed under martial law or in a combat situation and detained on December 11.

During the court hearing, the man did not admit guilt. He explained that he had previously suffered a concussion during combat operations, which he reported to his commanders, requesting permission to undergo a medical examination. However, the medical commission disregarded his complaints and deemed him fit for duty.

He also mentioned that he has a child with disabilities and an elderly grandmother dependent on him. Other members of the company testified that the man refused to obey the order because he was scared and generally afraid of water, but he had not complained about his health or poor psychological state. They also stated that Yuri’s refusal had a negative impact on the unit’s morale.

The court ruled that the order did not have “clearly criminal content, and therefore it should have been unquestionably and strictly obeyed by the latter.” Consequently, the serviceman was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison.