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The United States is concerned that two of its citizens captured by Russian forces in Ukraine could face the death penalty. Telegraph photos/video screenshots
Washington’s dismay came after Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested the death penalty for the two Americans.
“It is appalling that a public official in Russia has even suggested the death penalty for two American citizens who are in Ukraine. And we’re going to continue to try and learn what we can about this,” US National Security Council (NSC) spokesman John Kirby told reporters at the White House on Tuesday.
Alexander John-Robert Drueke and Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh have been fighting for the Kiev government in northern Kharkiv.
Also read: Arrested in Ukraine, Russia does not guarantee US citizens are not sentenced to death
They were reported missing on June 9, the same day a court in Donetsk convicted two Britons and a Moroccan for serving as mercenaries for Ukraine. All three were sentenced to death.
Last Friday, Drueke and Huynh were shown alive and in a detention facility in Donetsk, sparking fears that they may suffer the same fate.
Asked about them by NBC News, Peskov said Drueke and Huynh were mercenaries who engaged in illegal activities and opened fire on Russian troops. According to him, their fate will depend on the next investigation and trial.
“Anyway, it’s just as worrying whether they really mean what they’re saying here and this could be the result, that they can levy the death penalty on two Americans in Ukraine,” Kirby said. Russia TodayWednesday (22/6/2022).
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