Ukraine jails Brazilian for 13 years over conflict in east

The Brazilian was convicted of creating a "terrorist organization" and "recruiting mercenaries for terrorists," the Pechersk district court said in a statement. The January 25 statement did not name the man or say when he was sentenced. Ukrainian media, including outlets based in separatist-held territory in eastern Ukraine, have reported that his name is Rafael Lusvarghi and that he was arrested upon arrival at Kyiv's Boryspil International Airport in October 2016. The Kyiv prosecutor's office has alleged that the Brazilian convicted in court fought alongside separatists between September 2014 and May 2015, including in deadly battles for the town of Debaltseve and the Donetsk airport. During that time, he served as a military instructor and scout, as well as a recruiter of foreign fighters, the prosecutor's office said. According to  Radio Liberty, he is believed to be the first non-Russian to be convicted and sentenced by Ukraine for alleged crimes relating to the war.