The lieutenant from Pechenga, who refused to fight, is released from jail
Dmitry Vasilets walks free after more than two years of jail for his refusal to participate in combat operations.
According to a Telegram channel devoted to escapists from the Russian Armed Forces, Dmitry Vasilets has been released from jail.
Vasilets was sent to Ukraine as part of Russia's full-scale attack in February 2022. After five months on occupied land, he got a leave and never returned to the battlefield. He served in one of the brigades based in the far northern Pechenga area, Kola Peninsula.
On October 19, 2022, a criminal case was initiated against him, and on April 7, 2023, he was sentenced to 2 years and 5 months of imprisonment under part 2.1 of article 332 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
In court, Dmitry's defence insisted that he did not refuse service, but requested a transfer to alternative civilian service.
In June 2023, the Human Rights Center "Memorial" recognized Dmitry Vasilets as a political prisoner.
"Nobody can force me to kill people," Vasilets said in an interview to Novaya Gazeta.
He underlined that he did not want to flee Russia and that he was not afraid.
"Why should I run away? My country, my land is here. There is no point in being afraid. People have a choice. You can move into the unknown with an open heart and not fear misery because you understand the truthfulness of your path," he said.
