American Veterans Captured in Ukraine Could Soon Be Executed

Americans Could Soon Be Executed In Russia

(USNewsMag.com) – The Geneva Conventions are international guidelines designed to prohibit prisoners of war from being executed, tortured, or prosecuted. Russia doesn’t believe it has to respect international law and now, two Americans could pay the ultimate price because of the Kremlin’s logic.

Two American veterans, 27-year-old Andy Huynh and 39-year-old Alexander Drueke traveled to Ukraine to help the country defend itself from the Russian invasion. Unfortunately, Russia captured both men and is now holding them prisoner. On Monday, June 20, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov spoke to NBC News about the prisoners, saying they’re not protected by the Geneva Conventions.

Journalist Keir Simmons asked Peskov if the Americans would be sentenced to death like two British soldiers earlier this month. The Russian said, “It depends on the investigation.” Peskov called the US detainees “soldiers of fortune,” or mercenaries, who likely aren’t covered by the Geneva Conventions because they aren’t official members of the Ukrainian military. Ultimately, he said it will be up to a court to decide, but he believes they should receive punishment.

During a White House press briefing on June 21, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby called it “alarming” and “appalling” that Peskov could talk about levying the death penalty against Americans who are helping the Ukrainians.