Ukrainian Woman Jailed for Treason Over War Bonds in Russian-Controlled Territory

A woman in a Russian-held area of southern Ukraine has been sentenced to 14 years for treason after purchasing war bonds to support the Ukrainian military. The conviction was announced by the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia District Court on Thursday.

The woman, identified solely by her initial B, had used a Ukrainian mobile application to invest 270,080 roubles ($3,600) in war bonds, according to the court. The FSB security service apprehended her, and it was revealed that she is a Russian citizen. Residents of Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions have reportedly been coerced into taking Russian citizenship to maintain access to essential services and legal rights.

Memorial, a human rights organization recently labeled an extremist group by Russia, identified the convicted woman as Larisa Belyayeva, a 66-year-old doctor from the village of Lyubimovka. Ukraine began issuing war bonds following the 2022 invasion by Russia to fund its defense, offering attractive tax-free yields.