Russia Convicts More for Treason Than in All Pre-War Years
In Russia, more people were sentenced for treason cases in the past six months than in 25 pre-war years. During the first six months of 2025, Russian courts issued 273 verdicts on cases of treason and espionage against 284 individuals, according to a study by the First Department and Parubets Analytics.
Consensus
- Russian courts issued 284 convictions in the first half of 2026 for 'treason' and 'espionage'.
- This number exceeds the total number of such convictions from all pre-war years (1997–2022), which was 170.
- The number of convictions increased by 46% from the first to the second quarter of 2026.
- The average prison sentence was nearly 16 years, with two individuals receiving life sentences.
- Courts combined charges of 'treason' and 'espionage' with terrorism-related charges in 71 out of 170 cases in the second quarter.
- The number of new cases filed in the second quarter rose by 36% compared to the first quarter.
- Military courts issued 48% of the verdicts in the second quarter.
- At least 74 Ukrainian citizens were among those convicted, with 69% of them detained on occupied Ukrainian territories.
- The use of the 'confidential cooperation' charge (Article 275.1) has nearly ceased, with prosecutors shifting to 'treason' in old cases.
- No acquittals or dismissed cases were found in the second quarter.
- The number of convictions is expected to reach between 580 and 620 by the end of 2026 if current trends continue.
Points of divergence
- In the second quarter of 2026, courts issued more than 50 verdicts for treason and espionage for three consecutive months for the first time in history. — tg_theinsider
- The number of convictions could reach 600 by the end of 2026. — tg_theinsider
- The number of convictions in the first half of 2025 was 216, a 26% increase from the first half of 2024. — tg_dwglavnoe
- The number of new cases in the first half of 2026 was 351. — novaya_eu
- 150 out of 215 identified defendants showed signs of political motivation. — novaya_eu
- The total number of convictions for security-related charges since the invasion is at least 1,372. — novaya_eu
- 96% of the 1,635 identified defendants were deprived of liberty. — novaya_eu
- Citizens of Ukraine make up more than a third of the defendants. — novaya_eu
- The average sentence was nearly 16 years. — tg_tvrain
- The median sentence was 15 years, and the average was 15.8 years. — novaya_eu
- The number of known Ukrainian defendants is 74. — tg_radiosvoboda
- The number of known Ukrainian defendants is at least 74. — novaya_eu
Coverage (8 sources)
- For the first half of 2026, Russian courts sentenced more people to 'treason' and 'espionage' cases than in all pre-war years — 'First Department' study — The Insider
- In Russia, more people were convicted of 'state treason' and 'espionage' in six months than in 25 years - 'First Department' — DW Главное
- In Russia, more people were sentenced for treason cases in six months than in 25 pre-war years — Радио Свобода
- In Russia, more people were sentenced for treason cases in six months than in 25 pre-war years — Север.Реалии
- In Russia, more people were sentenced for treason cases in six months than in 25 pre-war years — Сибирь.Реалии
- In six months in Russia, more people were convicted of treason and espionage than in 25 pre-war years — "First Department" — Дождь (Telegram)
- In six months, Russian courts issued more sentences for cases of 'state treason' and 'espionage' than in all the pre-war years — Новая газета Европа
- In six months in Russia, more people were convicted of treason and espionage than in 25 pre-war years — «First Department» — Дождь