Koval Yaroslav Vasilevich (Koval Yaroslav Vasilovich)

December 29, 2024, during combat operations in the Kursk region, a 28-year-old Ukrainian citizen, Yaroslav Koval, a grenadier of the 61st Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was taken prisoner by Russian servicemen. A criminal case was opened against him for committing a terrorist act by a group of persons by prior conspiracy, resulting in significant damage. According to the Russian investigation, on September 1, 2024, Koval, along with other servicemen from his unit, illegally crossed the state border of Russia in the Sudzhansky district. He took part in blocking and holding under armed control the settlements of Goncharovka, Cherkasskaya Konopelka and Makhnovka. Close to these villages, he and his fellow servicemen "equipped and held observation and fire positions, conducted surveillance, intimidated peaceful civilians, and prevented their evacuation. August 5, 2025, the 2nd Western Military District Court found Yaroslav Kovaly guilty and sentenced him to 15 years in prison, the first 4 years he must serve in prison, and the remaining part of the sentence - in a strict regime correctional colony. The verdict was not appealed and entered into legal force.