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A former New Zealand soldier fighting in the Ukraine War on the side of the Ukrainians has been sentenced in absentia to 14 years in jail by a Russian court.
Jordan O’Brien was sentenced in absentia for what the Russians said was fighting “as a mercenary” and participating in hostilities “for material reward”.
A report from the joint press service of the judicial system of Kursk, a Russian border territory, ordered “the amount of over 1.3 million rubles” (NZ$20,690) to be confiscated from O’Brien.
The court said O’Brien invaded the Kursk region as part of the Ukrainian armed forces.
Russia said O’Brien’s sentence may come into force if he is ever extradited or deported to Russia.
In a post on X formally [sic] known as Twitter, O’Brien responded: “Lol”.
“I’ve received my sentence lol. 14 years and docking me 12 and a half grand,” he said.
Stuff
I've received my sentence lol. 14 years and docking me 12 and a half grand 😂😂 https://t.co/ICmxG3piZO
— Jordan O'Brien (@ObiOneKenobiNZ) December 10, 2024
