Russian court sentences woman to 24 years for treason, terrorism, sabotage
A military court sentenced Yekaterina Malovechkina from Russia's Zabaykalsky Krai to 24 years in prison for state treason, terrorism, and sabotage. According to investigators, Malovechkina joined the "Legion of Russia" (a unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces formed from Russian citizens) remotely in early 2025. Between March and June 2025, she allegedly distributed leaflets with the organization's symbols in Krasnokamensk.
Investigators claim Malovechkina, under the guidance of a "Legion of Russia" handler, constructed two improvised explosive devices equivalent to 5 kg of TNT and placed one between railway ties on the Trans-Siberian Railway, damaging two ties and a railcar. The court also imposed a fine of over 2.5 million rubles. Malovechkina reportedly admitted guilt. The report notes that since the full-scale war against Ukraine began, arson attacks on military enlistment offices, administrative buildings, and other facilities have occurred in Russia, often with minors suspected.
