Mobilized Russian soldier given six years in prison for desertion, 400 servicemen present at sentencing

A military court in Russia’s Tula region has sentenced serviceman Innokenty Bormatov to six years in prison for desertion, reports the regional courts’ press service.

Bormatov was drafted into the army as part of mobilization, reports TASS. Around 400 servicemen, including officers and contract and drafted military personnel, were present when the verdict was announced.

According to the court, in January 2023, Bormatov “without any hardship or valid reasons” left his military unit. He traveled to the Tula region and “spent his time at his discretion.” At the end of October, he was found by military police.

During the court session, Bormatov reportedly admitted his guilt and expressed remorse.