UKR Steel Defenders Are Terrorists - Russia States, Reveals Reasons For Saying So

According to the news report from Fox news they revealed that Tuesday saw the Russian Supreme Court designate the Azov Regiment of  as a terrorist group, which could result in the prosecution of some of the fighters who were arrested after their last stand inside the destroyed steel plant in Mariupol on charges related to terrorism.

An estimated 1,000 Azov warriors are being held captive by Russia and its rebel allies, many of them since their surrender at the steelworks in mid-May. They are facing criminal charges from the  government for allegedly killing people.

The inclusion of terrorism-related accusations may result in even harsher prison terms and reduced rights.

According to Russian official media, leaders of terrorist organizations would face sentences of 15 to 20 years in prison while group members would face sentences of 5 to 10 years.

The Azov Regiment was outlawed in Russia by the Supreme Court in its decision. That might also make the regiment illegal in regions of Ukraine that are seized by Russian or Russian-backed forces, should those regions move forward with preparations to join Russia.

The Azov soldiers played a crucial role in the defense of Mariupol by resisting Russian bombardment for weeks at the steel factory in the southern port city. They were lauded as heroes, along with the other plant guards, by Zelenskyy.

Although no proof of the Azov Regiment's misdeeds has been made public, Moscow has frequently characterized it as a Nazi organization. The Prosecutor General's Office in Russia requested that the regiment be classified as a terrorist group in May.