Rostyslav Babenko is a Ukrainian citizen and a serviceman of the Azov Special Operations Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, holding the rank of senior sergeant. He was captured in Mariupol in May 2022.
In March 2026, Babenko's case was transferred to the Southern District Military Court. On 7 April 2026, Babenko was found guilty under Part 2 of Article 205.4 of the Russian Criminal Code ('Participation in a terrorist community') and Article 205.3 ('Training for the purpose of carrying out terrorist activities') and sentenced to 19 years' imprisonment in a maximum-security penal colony.
According to the prosecution, 'in January 2016, Babenko voluntarily joined the Azov Regiment, where he underwent training for the purpose of carrying out terrorist activities. After that, he participated in hostilities against civilians and Russian servicemen.'
