The decision was appealed by 115 expelled Russian soldiers for refusing to fight in Ukraine. However, on Wednesday, May 25, a military tribunal confirmed their dismissal.

When it was time to pack up to take part in the invasion of Ukraine, these 115 Russian soldiers refused to leave. Dismissed from the army as punishment, they initially challenged the decision, which was upheld by a military court.

According to the court press service quoted by the Interfax agency, the persons involved were members of the National Guard, which refused to carry out a mission related to Moscow’s “special operation” in the Ukrainian territory.

The hearing was held behind closed doors

The court also said that it had examined “necessary documents” and questioned the officers of the National Guard, which is different from the Russian military but is involved in operations in Ukraine.

In the end, the Court of Appeal rejected these 115 soldiers, while at the same time confirming their dismissal. According to a press release issued on Wednesday, May 25, the court ruled that “they unilaterally refused to carry out an official mission.”

The argument was behind closed doors to keep “military secrets” from being revealed. The court did not specify where these soldiers were stationed in Russia. This is the first case in which the Russian military’s refusal to take part in the February 24 offensive in Ukraine has been officially confirmed.