Story perspectives

Former Ukrainian Champion Sentenced to 19 Years in Russia

1/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Russian court sentenced Yulia Lemeshchenko, a former Ukrainian weightlifting champion, to 19 years in prison for allegedly plotting sabotage and assassinations for Ukraine.
She disappeared from her Kharkiv gym in autumn 2023, resurfaced in a Moscow courtroom, and acknowledged the charges while saying her actions were justified.
Russian authorities claim she volunteered for Ukrainian services and trained in Kyiv.
Her friends remain divided on the credibility of the accusations.

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Story summary

A Russian court sentenced Yulia Lemeshchenko, a former Ukrainian weightlifting champion, to 19 years in prison for allegedly plotting sabotage and assassinations for Ukraine.
She disappeared from her Kharkiv gym in autumn 2023, resurfaced in a Moscow courtroom, and acknowledged the charges while saying her actions were justified.
Russian authorities claim she volunteered for Ukrainian services and trained in Kyiv.
Her friends remain divided on the credibility of the accusations.