Ukraine has strongly condemned Russia’s decision to sentence Zaporizhzhia power plant engineer Ruslan Lavryk to 16 years in prison. The country has called the action ‘shameful’ and emphasized the need for his release. Lavry, a key figure in Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, faces charges of ‘participating in hostilities,’ which Ukraine and much of the international community dismiss as a pretext for politically motivated imprisonment.
Ruslan Lavryk, who reportedly suffers from heart problems and requires hospitalization following prolonged captivity and torture, has become a symbol of the broader Ukrainian struggle against Russian occupation. His case has drawn widespread international attention, with human rights organizations and diplomatic bodies urging Russia to provide medical care and consider his release. The imprisonment of engineers and other professionals has further strained Ukraine’s ability to maintain its energy grid, which remains a critical target in the ongoing conflict.
International reaction has been swift, with multiple countries and organizations condemning Russia’s action and calling for Lavryk’s immediate release. The European Union has expressed grave concern, while the United States has reiterated its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The incident has also reignited discussions about the humanitarian crisis in occupied territories, highlighting the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire of the war.