The Kremlin says Russia would be ready to consider a UK appeal over the fate of two Britons sentenced to death for fighting for Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said neither Moscow nor the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine who passed the sentence had heard from London on the issue. He said: "You need to apply … to the authorities of the country whose court passed the verdict, and that is not the Russian Federation. But, of course, everything will depend on appeals from London. And I am sure that the Russian side will be ready to listen.”
Britons Aiden Aslin and Sean Pinner, and Moroccan national Brahim Saadoun, were sentenced to death last week for allegedly fighting as mercenaries for Ukraine in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic held by Russia-backed separatists. London called the proceedings “a sham”.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said earlier on Tuesday that the best route to secure the men’s release was “through the Ukrainians”, but added that she would do “whatever it takes”.
Separatist authorities said all three had a month to appeal against their sentence. Kyiv has pledged to try to secure their release through a prisoner swap with Russia.
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