Bondarenko Yuriy Nikolaevich (Bondarenko Yuriy Mikolayovich)

Near the city of Druzhkovka in the occupied Donetsk region, on April 9, 2024, 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen Yuriy Bondarenko, a soldier of the 24th Separate Assault Battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 'Aidar' battalion, was captured by Russian military personnel. A criminal case was initiated against him on charges of "participation in the activities of a terrorist organization" and "receiving training for the purpose of carrying out terrorist activities." According to the Russian investigation, in March 2024, Bondarenko voluntarily joined the ranks of the assault battalion "Aydar" of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, recognized on the basis of a court decision as a terrorist organization, underwent training in close combat tactics and weapons handling, after which he performed the duties of a shooter in the battalion, taking part in hostilities on the territory of the Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics. On October 29, 2024, the Southern District Military Court found Yuri Bondarenko guilty and sentenced him to 20 years in a strict regime colony. The verdict was not appealed and entered into legal force.