Igor Strelkov from the SIZO asks to send him to the war in Ukraine

The former leader of the Donetsk separatists, Igor Strelkov (Gyrkin), convicted of inciting extremism, will ask to send him to the war in Ukraine. Now he is trying to appeal his sentence. Strelkov’s lawyer, Igor Molokhov, told RBC that the appeal was accompanied by the consent of one of the military units of the Russian army in the Donbass to accept Strelkov as a platoon commander.

The existence of the document is confirmed by Strelkova’s wife Myroslava Regynskaya. According to her, it was received back in January.

The law prohibits those convicted of “extremist” articles from entering into contracts for military service. However, Strelkov’s lawyers see such a legal opportunity for him, if the court of appeal cancels the sentence, which is what the defense is trying to achieve. Strelkov could also return to the army if the president signs a decree pardoning him and removing his criminal record.

The court hearing on Strelkov’s appeal is scheduled for May 15.

• A criminal case against Strelkov was initiated on July 18, 2023, and three days later he was detained in Moscow. The so-called ex-head of the Ministry of Defense “DPR” was charged under the article on calls for extremist activity. The reason was ego’s posts in the Telegram channel. In January, the court sentenced him to four years in prison. Strelkov pleaded not guilty.
• Strelkov was found guilty by the International Criminal Court in The Hague in the case of the crash of the Boeing MH-17 of the Malaysian Airlines, when 298 people died. He was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment.