A serviceman was convicted in Nalchik for prolonged absence from his unit.

A military court in Nalchik sentenced Artur Batraev to seven years in prison, finding him guilty of leaving his unit without permission during mobilization.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," on September 24, 2022, Parts 2.1, 3.1, and 5 of Article 337, concerning leaving a unit or place of service without permission during mobilization, were added to the Russian Criminal Code. The amendments provide for imprisonment for up to 10 years. Tightening of legislation after the announcement of mobilization led to harsher sentences for absence from a military unit or desertion.

A serviceman named Batrayev was found guilty on February 18 under Part 5 of Article 337 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (which carries a sentence of five to 10 years in prison), the Nalchik Garrison Military Court reported on its VKontakte page.

According to the court, Batrayev left his military unit in North Ossetia without good reason "on January 20, 2025, during the mobilization period."

"On November 21, 2025, Batrayev voluntarily reported to the police station in Mozdok, and from January 20 to November 21, 2025, Batrayev spent his time at his own discretion at his place of residence." "residence," the publication states.

In court, Batraev pleaded guilty in full. Furthermore, the court found that the defendant had already been convicted by the Vladikavkaz and Nalchik military courts for serious crimes committed during his military service. He received suspended sentences in each case.

"The court revoked Batraev's suspended sentences, and imposed a final sentence based on the combined sentences of seven years' imprisonment in a general regime penal colony," the statement noted.

The court's press service did not provide the name of the convicted man. According to the case file on the court's website, the defendant is Artur Batraev. The case was submitted to the court on February 9, and the verdict was handed down at the first hearing on February 18.

As a reminder, on September 21, 2022, Vladimir Putin announced partial mobilization. On October 28 of that year, the Minister of Defense reported to the President on its completion, but no corresponding decree followed. Legal experts concluded that a presidential decree was not needed to end partial mobilization, Putin's press secretary explained.

Moreover, on December 12, 2023, the Maykop Military Court, in its verdict against a mobilized soldier who left his unit in June 2023, emphasized that "a partial mobilization was declared in the Russian Federation, which was not completed at the time the crime was committed."