West denounces death sentences for 3 who fought for Ukraine

By BERNAT ARMANGUÉ and YURAS KARMANAU
Associated Press

BAKHMUT, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine and the West have denounced a pro-Moscow court that sentenced two British citizens and a Moroccan to death for fighting for Ukraine. They called the proceedings a sham and a violation of the rules of war. A Russian state news agency reported that the defendants will face a firing squad. They have a month to appeal. Meanwhile, as the Kremlin’s forces continued a grinding war of attrition in the east, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday appeared to liken his actions to those of Peter the Great in the 18th century. He said the country needs to “take back” historic Russian lands.