Russian Court Slams Australian Mercenary with 14-Year Jail Sentence in Absentia: The Aussie Fighter Accused of Waging War Against Moscow’s Forces in Ukraine
- Kallen Benjamin Lewis, an Australian national, has been found guilty of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine and sentenced to 14 years in a maximum-security Russian prison.
- Lewis, who has been on the run since 2022, is now on an international wanted list, but his current whereabouts remain unknown.
- The 14-year sentence comes as Russia steps up its crackdown on foreign fighters participating in the conflict, with a British national recently receiving a six-year sentence for similar offences.
In a shocking development, a Russian court has sentenced an Australian man to 14 years in a maximum-security prison for fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. Kallen Benjamin Lewis, who has been on the run since 2022, was found guilty in absentia of breaching Russia’s criminal code by participating in an armed conflict against Moscow’s forces.
The Russian embassy in Australia confirmed that Lewis had joined a paramilitary unit within the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, receiving training, a firearm, and ammunition, as well as a uniform. In a chilling twist, the court ruled that Lewis was paid to take part in combat operations against Russian armed forces in the Donetsk region.
As a result of the sentence, Lewis has been placed on the international wanted list, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. The Australian government has warned its citizens not to travel to Ukraine, citing the ongoing invasion by Russia, which makes it “very difficult to provide consular assistance.”
This is not the first time Russia has convicted and sentenced foreign fighters without their presence in court. Just last week, a British national was sentenced to six years’ jail in absentia for similar offences, and was also placed on the international wanted list.
The Kremlin’s crackdown on foreign fighters comes as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with tensions between Russia and Ukraine showing no signs of easing. As the international community watches with bated breath, one thing is certain: the consequences for those caught up in this deadly conflict will be severe.