Russia Hands Down Harsh Sentences to Brothers Accused of Treason and Sabotage

Russia has sentenced two brothers, Matvei and Timofei Melnikov, to 20 and 19 years in prison, respectively, after convicting them of treason, attempted sabotage, and involvement in the banned terrorist organization “Legion Freedom of Russia” (Легион “Свобода России”).

The Second Western District Military Court issued the verdict on February 18, 2025, in a closed-door session, citing security concerns and reported threats made against participants in the case. The prosecution accused the Melnikovs of plotting to set fire to military equipment at a Russian military base in the Moscow region, claiming they were recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services.

While the Melnikovs pleaded guilty, their punishment underscores a broader pattern of harsh and unforgiving sentencing in Russia, particularly in cases involving alleged cooperation with Ukraine. The ruling signals that the Kremlin remains committed to making an example of those it deems traitors, sending a clear warning that any perceived disloyalty will be met with decades behind bars.

A Harsh and Swift Verdict

During the trial, the court heard evidence that the brothers had gathered intelligence and photographed military assets in preparation for their alleged sabotage mission. Prosecutors originally sought even longer sentences—21 years for Matvei and 20 years for Timofei—but the judge ultimately issued slightly reduced terms.

A third individual, Yuri Mikheev, was also implicated in the case. He was accused solely of attempted sabotage, and the prosecution requested 7 years in prison for him.

Initially, the trial was open to the public, but as proceedings continued, the court decided to close the case, citing “threats” made against legal officials and other participants. This move, while not uncommon in high-profile security cases, raises concerns about the transparency of the proceedings.

A Crackdown on Alleged Saboteurs

The sentencing of the Melnikov brothers is part of a larger pattern of severe punishments for those accused of treason and sabotage in Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Just last month, a man in Kursk was sentenced to 20.5 years in prison for allegedly collaborating with Ukrainian intelligence via messenger apps and attempting to set fire to a railway relay cabinet—a crime that would be considered minor vandalism in most countries but is treated as a grave offense in Russia.

Additionally, in recent weeks, Russian authorities have announced the arrest of four women in Sevastopol, Voronezh, and Rostov-on-Don who were allegedly recruited by Ukraine to carry out terrorist attacks and sabotage energy facilities. These women reportedly underwent training in firearms, explosives, drone operations, and surveillance evasion tactics.

Russia’s Ruthless Approach to Treason

Russia’s approach to national security and treason cases is notoriously harsh, with decades-long sentences handed down for crimes that might warrant far more lenient punishment in other countries. The Melnikov brothers’ case follows a well-established trend:

• Treason and sabotage carry some of the longest sentences in the Russian legal system—often exceeding those for violent crimes like murder or terrorism.
• Trials are frequently closed to the public, limiting scrutiny and ensuring that the government’s narrative remains unchallenged.
• Confessions are common, either due to legal pressure or in hopes of a reduced sentence, though leniency is rarely granted.
• The Russian government often frames these cases as victories against Western-backed subversion, bolstering public support for its crackdowns.

In the West, espionage and sabotage cases often result in shorter sentences, diplomatic negotiations, or even prisoner exchanges. In Russia, however, once accused of treason, there is little hope for clemency. The FSB and Russian judiciary operate with an iron grip, and those convicted face the near certainty of decades in a penal colony—a fate widely regarded as brutal, isolating, and designed to break the spirit of prisoners.

Final Thoughts: A Chilling Message

The Melnikov brothers’ sentencing sends an unmistakable message: Russia will not tolerate any perceived betrayal, regardless of context or motive. Whether the accused were truly operatives for Ukraine or simply young men caught in a government dragnet, their fate was likely sealed the moment they were arrested.

The case reinforces the Kremlin’s hardline stance—a signal to both domestic dissidents and foreign adversaries that defiance, in any form, will be met with severe punishment.

For those who oppose the Russian government from within, the Melnikov case is another stark reminder that there is no mercy for those deemed traitors—only years of hard labor in a Russian prison, if not worse.