**Finnish Court Begins Trial for Russian Neo-Nazi Mercenary**
A Finnish court started a trial on December 5 against Yan Petrovsky, a Russian neo-Nazi mercenary. He is accused of war crimes committed while leading a Russian neo-Nazi unit in eastern Ukraine between 2014 and 2015.
Petrovsky is co-leader of Rusich, a Russian neo-Nazi paramilitary group that fought against Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities have also charged him with committing war crimes during the Russian invasion of Donbas in 2014.
**Accusations and Charges**
Prosecutors accuse Petrovsky of co-commanding a group of Rusich fighters who ambushed Ukrainian soldiers in September 2014. The incident resulted in 22 deaths and 4 serious injuries. Prosecutors also claim that the ambushed soldiers were executed and mutilated, which is considered a war crime.
Petrovsky faces five charges of committing war crimes in eastern Ukraine. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence for his alleged crimes.
**Background**
Ukraine previously requested Petrovsky’s extradition to stand trial for the alleged war crimes. However, a Finnish court ruled on December 8 that he could not be forced to go to Ukraine due to concerns about prison conditions.
Rusich has been known for committing atrocities in Ukraine. Its co-founder, Alexey Milchakov, gained notoriety for publishing images of himself killing a puppy on social media.
**International Reactions**
Petrovsky has been under EU and U.S. sanctions since 2022. Ukrainian authorities have also announced that the beneficial owners and top managers of one of Ukraine’s most popular online casinos, Pin-Up, are suspected of collaborating with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for effective guarantees for Ukraine’s security, including “real alliances” and a strong defense foundation within the country.