Anton Khozhaev

A graduate of the Voronezh Higher Military Aviation School (VATU). In 2020, he enrolled in the Zhukovsky and Gagarin Air Force Academy, Faculty of Unmanned Aviation.

In the spring of 2022, he spoke out against the war and submitted a request for dismissal. He was detained by the FSB while attempting to cross the border into Ukraine. On July 17, 2025, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison for high treason, terrorism, desertion, and money laundering (legalization of funds obtained through criminal means).

2020s

Cases concerning the laundering of criminally obtained funds Cases of desertion Cases of terrorism State treason

Reading time: 5 minutes.

The final statement

‘And please stop calling me a soldier. I do not want to associate with bio-trash.’

Esteemed participants in the trial,

I believe that during this whole hearing, the prosecution have failed to prove my guilt, and, on the contrary, justified my actions.

Let’s take Article 205.5 [of the Russian criminal code, on participation in a terrorist organisation]. I really was the initiator of a shahid [Arabic, meaning ‘witness’ or ‘martyr’], an intellectual organisation. I made contact with personnel of the Security Service of Ukraine, who took me on for training.

I just wanted to help the people of our brotherly nation to return peace to their land. I was neither an occupier nor a state terrorist of my country. My intentions were the most peaceful possible.

What’s more, it’s no secret to anyone that, at present in Russia, everyone who speaks out against aggression and against the country is called a terrorist.

As for Article 275 [on treason]: my action was in no way treacherous to my homeland. On the contrary, it was aimed at stopping a criminal government, at preventing the deaths of peaceful civilians, including citizens of Russia. The sooner this criminal war ends, the fewer financial and human resources will be needed for the difficult task of reconstruction.

Now you can charge anyone, for anything, under Article 275 if you feel like it. But what I have admitted to, including cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine, should be treated not as a betrayal of the motherland, but as helping it.

What about Article 174.1 [on the legalisation of property acquired by criminal means]: it’s just funny to accuse me of receiving money—all 12,500 rubles of it [about $80]— especially given the scale of corruption at all levels of state power, including among military officers. This charge has just been added to pile on the accusations.

And this proves, once again, that we are not talking about a justice system, but about a system for vengeance against ordinary people.

Now Article 338.3 [on desertion]. I didn’t desert. Desertion is when a person willingly abandons his battle position at a time when support and defence is needed. But no-one has attacked Russia, no defence is required.

Moreover, the Russian authorities themselves declare that the Russian army is on the attack, that aggression is underway in all directions, and there are only victories. And I just did not want to take part in murdering Ukrainian people who have done me no ill.

Murder is a serious crime. And I am not to blame for the fact that it was impossible to resign [from the army] of my own accord, or by ending my contract. I had no other choice, except simply to quit, in order not to participate in murder.

As for Article 275.1 [on confidential cooperation with a foreign state]: to consider the Ukrainian people as some sort of enemy for defending themselves is criminal. I want to help our brothers, the Ukrainian people. That is not treachery, that is following my conscience, my upbringing, my parents’ teaching. That is love for my fellow human beings.

And when it becomes clear to everybody that my actions were not criminal, but, on the contrary, were deliberately conceived and honest—then, truth will prevail.

I was given beatings, and tortured, by the Federal Security Services. All the investigators’ actions that followed were fabrications. According to the Criminal Code of the Russian federation, and the constitution, all these breaches [of the law] mean that the entire process after my arrest is invalid. Including the sentence passed by the court. I ask the court to bear this in mind.

[For a brief time, Khozhaev’s words were inaudible on the courtroom recording. Then he continued.]

It’s funny to see how they hate me: ‘He lied, he got carried away, he took the vows.’ Don’t forget, I wanted to become an officer. And sometimes, if you want to teach someone, you need to deal with emotions.

To all those who talk about spiritual values and patriotism, I say: I first tried to reach out to Russians, and only then passed on information to Ukraine and went to fight for Ukraine. And in this I am more patriotic than most Russians. Excuse me for saying so, but that’s the truth.

You are all so fond of talking about your love for the motherland: well, this shows that I really do love her.

And please stop calling me a soldier. I do not want to associate with bio-trash. Because trash is what the Russian army has become, a long time ago. That was proven on the 24th of February 2022.

I also want to explain that I did not lie, when I told the Federal Security Service officers that I don’t personally know anyone from Ukrainian law enforcement. It wasn’t necessary to arrest me.

At the end of my final statement I want to address the Ukrainian people. My friends, don’t be afraid. Be brave. Keep fighting.

I am not guilty. Glory to Ukraine.

16 July 2025,
Second Western District Military Court, Moscow, Russia.

Source: Sotavision
More information: Memorial PZK
Photo: Sotavision.