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Russian court sentences commander of “Birds of Magyar” Brovdi to life in absentia
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A Russian military court has sentenced Ukrainian drone commander Robert Brovdi to life imprisonment in absentia, following accusations of terrorism linked to a deadly attack in Russia’s Kursk region.
Brovdi, founder of a Ukrainian drone unit known as the “Birds of Magyar,” was convicted over his alleged involvement in a March 2025 operation targeting a vehicle carrying Russian state media journalists and military equipment, Telex wrote based on Russian news agency TASS.
Deadly attack in Russia’s Kursk region
According to Russian authorities, Ukrainian forces remotely planted explosives along a highway in the Kursk region, detonating them as a UAZ truck passed. The vehicle reportedly carried both journalists and drones intended for the Russian military.
One journalist, Anna Prokofieva of Russia’s Channel One, was killed in the explosion. The attack drew international condemnation, including from Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
Life sentence and multiple charges
The verdict, delivered on Friday, stipulates that Brovdi would serve the first ten years in prison, with the remainder in a high-security penal colony if apprehended. Russian investigators have brought a total of 46 charges against him, including terrorism, causing civilian deaths, and carrying out attacks resulting in significant material damage.
Brovdi’s defence team has argued that his direct involvement in the Kursk attack has not been conclusively proven.
Tensions with Hungary over pipeline strikes
The Ukrainian commander is also known in Hungary due to previous military actions. In the summer of 2025, drone units under his command reportedly carried out strikes against the Druzhba oil pipeline on Russian territory.
Following those incidents, the Hungarian government imposed an entry ban on Brovdi and several other Ukrainian military officials, extending it to the entire Schengen Area.
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Brovdi is fantastic. His unit has inflicted a massive amount of damage on the Russians. Oh and guess who has run out of money? Putin is now asking the Russian oligarchs to “donate” funds to the state because he is broke. Budget cuts are also on the way. Time is not on Russia’s side.