The Russian military who admitted killing a peaceful inhabitant of Ukraine, is being tried for up to six years in prison for spreading "fakes" about the army

The Russian Prosecutor's Office is demanding for serviceman Danil Frolkin, who confessed to killing a peaceful inhabitant of Ukraine, to be sentenced up to 6 years in a colony for spreading “fakes” about the army. The 21-year-old Frolkin became a defendant in the “Important Stories” journalistic investigation in September 2022. As part of the 64th separate motorized rifle brigade, he took part in the capture of the Kyivan region. In conversations with journalists, Frolkin admitted killing a peaceful inhabitant. He also spoke about monstrous acts of Russian military and named commanders who gave criminal orders. Frolkin also reported that he was ordered to accompany several civilians on raids, after which they were robbed and "left to waste away". The order was executed. In Ukraine, Frolkin is accused of violating laws and conventions of war. For killing a peaceful civilian he faces life imprisonment.

The case of Frolkin has become a vivid example of the Kremlin's intention to punish anyone who dares to criticize the army and the conduct of military operations in general. The accusations suggest that Frolkin fabricated his confession related to military crimes committed in Ukraine, exclusively in order to discredit the “SVO”. This persistent position of the Russian Federation is caused by an attempt to discredit any confessions made by Russian servicemen about committed outrages. As Russian justice becomes increasingly authoritarian, Frolkin should not expect a mitigating sentence. However, his testimony will most likely be used in an international military tribunal to prosecute those responsible for military crimes committed by Russia on Ukrainian territory.