Savchenko found guilty in Russia as talks for her release continue

A Russian court ruled on March 22 that Ukrainian fighter pilot Nadiya Savchenko was guilty in participating in the murder of two Russian journalists, as well as illegally crossing the Russian border, for which she was fined RUB 30,000. She was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment, almost the maximum penalty. Western governments and institutions immediately condemned the verdict, which is widely accepted as fraudulent and politically motivated. It shows “a blatant disregard for the principles of justice and contravene Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements,” said U.S. State Department Spokesman John Kirby. 

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko spoke with U.S. Vice President Biden, who assured him that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will discuss with Russian President Putin during his upcoming Moscow visit the need for her immediate release. They agreed on the goal of returning Savchenko to Ukraine as soon as possible. Putin has indicated a willingness to exchange Savchenko as part of the Minsk accords, though a report surfaced yesterday from a Ukrainian government advisor that he wants roadside access to Crimea from southern Russia in return. Russian Presidential Administration spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed after the verdict that Putin will ultimately decide on any exchange.

Savchenko has ordered her lawyers not to appeal within the necessary ten days, which would undermine her case reaching the European Court for Human Rights. Lawyer Mark Feygin has said that he’s submitted numerous legal claims internationally to gain her freedom, including with the United Nations. Meanwhile, another one of her lawyers, Nikolai Polozov, said Savchenko will renew her hunger strike, without water, after ten days in the goal of forcing a decision from the Russian government as soon as possible. She said she’s ready to return to Ukraine dead or alive.

Zenon Zawada: Savchenko has become a symbol of the Donbas war for all parties involved. Her survival and possible release will be used as a barometer to determine the skill and strength of all sides in the conflict. We expect negotiations will intensify to release Savchenko but Putin will need a significant concession to release her in order to once again reaffirm his strength in front of the Russian public. The exchange will most likely involve hostages and by no means will the West or Ukraine accept the proposal of a land corridor, if it was truly suggested.