Savchenko verdict to be announced in Russia today

A Russian court will announce today the verdict in the trial of Nadiya Savchenko, the Ukrainian fighter pilot who was captured and illegally detained by Russian Armed Forces in fighting in the occupied territory of Donbas. Savchenko is accused of participating in a premeditated murder against two Russian journalists out of hatred for Russian speakers. Western governments and institutions have recognized that the charges against Savchenko are fraudulent and her arrest, transport to Russia and detention are illegal. Top world leaders have called for her release. She faces a maximum sentence of 23 years imprisonment.

Zenon Zawada: It’s widely expected that Savchenko will get the maximum punishment, or close to it. The big question is whether a deal has been cut behind the scenes to release Savchenko in the days or weeks after the verdict. She has already announced plans for another hunger strike without water, which puts her life at risk.