**Russian Court Sentences New Zealand Citizen to 14 Years in Prison**
A court in Russia has sentenced a citizen of New Zealand, Jordan O’Brien, to 14 years in prison. He was tried in absentia for fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.
**Background**
In March 2024, Russian authorities put about 700 foreign nationals on their wanted list for fighting with Ukraine. They were charged under laws against mercenarism. The foreigners were actually members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
**The Charges**
O’Brien was accused of participating in a conflict as a mercenary and taking part in combat operations for money. Prosecutors claim he entered Russia’s Kursk Oblast with Ukrainian forces in August 2024.
**Court Ruling**
The court confiscated funds allegedly received by O’Brien, which amount to over $12,700. The sentence would only take effect if O’Brien is extradited or deported to Russia.
**New Zealand Perspective**
A New Zealand publication reported that O’Brien joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2022 after seeing war reports on TV. He currently serves with drones and earns the same as Ukrainian soldiers. The publication challenges the mercenary claims, saying that fighters from New Zealand earn around $465 monthly for non-combat roles.
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