The first known sentence under the article on “assisting the enemy” has been handed down in Pskov Region, north-western Russia.

The Pskov Regional Court has sentenced a Ukrainian citizen to eight and a half years in a strict-regime penal colony and a fine of 500,000 roubles (approx. US$5,600) under the article on “assisting the enemy” (Art. 276.1 of the Russian Criminal Code). As Medizona has established, the convicted person’s name is Anton Demidenko, aged 26.

According to the investigation, Demidenko transferred money to funds that support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Demidenko’s phone has been confiscated, since, according to the court’s version, it was used to commit the offence.

This is the first known sentence under the article on “assisting the enemy.” It concerns financial, advisory or other assistance to a state or organisation “opposed” to Russia in an armed conflict. The article was introduced into the Criminal Code at the end of 2024. Under this law, foreign nationals and stateless persons face between 10 and 15 years in prison.

Demidenko was arrested in July 2025. It is not known why he received a prison term below the minimum stipulated by this article.