Ukraine Sets ‘Historic Precedent’ with First Extradition of Russian Soldier for War Crimes Trial in Lithuania
VILNIUS, Lithuania - October 31, 2025, 3:36 p.m. - Ukraine has extradited a Russian soldier to Lithuania to face war crimes charges, marking the first time Kyiv has transferred a Russian military member to another country for prosecution as the start of russia’s full-scale invasion. The move, hailed by Ukrainian officials as a landmark achievement for international justice, centers on allegations of severe abuses committed against civilians, including a Lithuanian citizen.
The suspect, identified as a member of the Russian military police, is accused of involvement in the illegal detention, torture, and inhumane treatment of both civilians and prisoners of war while operating in Ukraine.Lithuanian authorities intend to pursue a life sentence against the soldier within their NATO and EU member state judicial system.
“This is the first time as the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression that Ukraine has extradited a Russian soldier to another country,” stated Ukrainian Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko via Telegram. He further described the extradition as “a historic and important precedent for the entire international justice system.”
according to a statement from the Lithuanian Prosecutor General’s Office, investigations suggest the suspect actively participated in the abuse of detainees. Alleged acts of torture included confinement in a metal cupboard, strangulation, suspension by bound hands, exposure to freezing temperatures with cold water, and the infliction of electric shocks.
The extradition underscores Ukraine’s commitment to holding Russian military officials accountable for alleged atrocities committed during the 2022 invasion and its ongoing war efforts. Lithuanian and ukrainian judicial authorities are collaborating on the case,with a Vilnius court having ordered at least three months of pre-trial detention for the suspect.
