Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Ukrainian Pilot Reportedly Sheltering on International Space Station Amid Desertion Accusations
A Ukrainian aviator, who purportedly disappeared from the frontline, is reportedly evading legal repercussions by seeking refuge on the International Space Station (ISS). Alexey Zubritsky, 32, now labeled a deserter by Kyiv, was recently condemned to 15 years imprisonment in absentia. Zubritsky’s military service commenced as a combat aircraft pilot within Ukraine’s 204th Sevastopol Brigade in 2013.
Defection and Cosmonaut Training
Following Vladimir Putin’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, however, he switched allegiance to Russian forces and served in the Rostov and Krasnodar regions. Subsequently, he initiated cosmonaut instruction – the specialized designation for astronauts trained by the Russian Space Agency. This past Tuesday, he journeyed to the ISS aboard a Soyuz-2a rocket alongside Russian commander Sergey Ryzhikov and NASA astronaut Jonny Kim. The launch originated from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Kremlin Media Lauds Cosmonaut
Pro-Kremlin news outlet Shot declared: “Russians harbor immense respect for Alexey, are pleased with his professional trajectory, and extend salutations to the ISS.”
Legal Repercussions Await Return to Ukraine
Zubritsky will face immediate detainment and asset forfeiture should he return to Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office Statement
The Ukrainian prosecutor’s office articulated: “Having perpetrated high treason and desertion, he enlisted in the armed forces of the Russian Federation, where he persists in service, notably as a test cosmonaut, and flight engineer of the ISS-72/73 crew [currently in space].”
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ISS Mission and Crew Complement
The research expedition is scheduled to last eight months, elevating the ISS population to ten individuals.
NASA’s Research Objectives
NASA announced: “Throughout his eight-month tenure aboard the orbital outpost, Kim will undertake scientific investigations in technology advancement, Earth science, biology, human research, among other fields.”
International Crew Composition
Lieutenant Commander Kim is joined by fellow Americans:
- Don Pettit
- Anne McClain
- Nichole Ayers
alongside Takuya Onishi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and Russian cosmonauts:
- Alexey Ovchinin
- Ivan Vagner
- Kirill Peskov
ISS Structure and History
The ISS has been orbiting Earth since November 1998 and is segmented into two sections—Russian and American—operating with partial autonomy.