Russia on Wednesday convicted 23 captured Ukrainians on terrorism charges stemming from the fighting in Ukraine in a trial that Kyiv denounced as a sham and a violation of international law. The defendants included 14 current or former fighters of the elite Azov brigade, which Russia designated a terrorist group, and nine women and one man who worked as cooks or support personnel, according to Russian media reports and rights activists.

Twelve defendants were not in court—11 returned to Ukraine in two prisoner exchanges and were convicted in absentia; one died in custody last year, with the case being dropped later.