Ukraine Hands Over Russian Mercenary To Azerbaijan

• 6.04.2026, 9:05

He's looking at up to 15 years in prison.

Ukraine has deported to Azerbaijan a 45-year-old mercenary who fought on the side of the Russian Federation as a member of illegal armed groups in Donbas. The man, known under the call signs "Lev" and "Rafik", was detained in the summer of 2024 in Donetsk region and was kept in a detention center in Lviv. This is reported by the National Police of Ukraine.

According to the investigation, the 45-year-old native of the city of Adzhikabul (Azerbaijan), who previously worked as an English teacher, in October 2023 signed a contract with the Russian Armed Forces for two years and was sent to a unit of the so-called "DNR" - the 1st Slavyansk Brigade. There he served as an assistant grenade launcher in an assault company and participated in combat operations against Ukrainian forces. Despite the lack of military experience, the mercenary directly participated in the fighting in Donbass.

The AFU took him prisoner on June 21, 2024 near the settlement of Ocheretino. At the request of the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan, Ukrainian law enforcers conducted procedural actions and confirmed his participation in illegal armed groups. According to the State Security Service of Azerbaijan, the man is suspected of establishing and participating in armed groups, financing and providing them, and faces up to 15 years in prison.