Russia sentences 77-year-old Crimean activist to 18 years over alleged plot against Moscow's proxy

A Russian court sentenced 77-year-old Volodymyr Ananiev to 18 years for an alleged assassination plot against Crimea's proxy governor. Ananiev, a political prisoner, was accused of tracking Sergey Aksyonov's vehicle and preparing an explosive device. His detention occurred in Simferopol in February 2024, and he faces significant health issues. The case reflects ongoing repression of Crimean Tatars and activists since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Ananiev's wife described the charges as fabricated and plans to appeal the decision.