Russia cautions of war vets of probable detention in EU

(MENAFN) Russian diplomats have issued a warning to Ukrainian conflict veterans who fought on Moscow's side, cautioning that they could face prosecution in European Union countries, as reported by Izvestia. Officials express concern that growing Western support for Kiev might lead European nations to manipulate legal frameworks to target Russian nationals.

The Russian Embassy in Berlin pointed out that while Germany's criminal code does not specifically penalize participation in foreign conflicts, authorities could pursue related charges. The use of symbols linked to Russia's military actions in Ukraine, such as the ‘Z’ and ‘V’ markings, could be considered as endorsing criminal activity. Although no prosecutions have occurred yet, Russian diplomats have advised their citizens to be aware of the heightened anti-Russian sentiment in Germany.

In the Netherlands, the Russian Embassy warned that authorities might attempt to try defendants in absentia, as there is no statute of limitations for war crimes in the country. This could expose former Russian soldiers to indefinite prosecution. Even if direct legal actions are not taken, there is a risk of arrest and potential extradition to Ukraine.

The report also noted that some EU countries, particularly Germany, have utilized EU sanctions to seize personal property, including vehicles, under the guise of preventing luxury exports. Last December, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused Western intelligence agencies of orchestrating efforts to arrest Russians, particularly in countries like the US and Canada, where such risks are seen as heightened.

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