Contract Ends in Prison: Another Serviceman Sentenced in Nalchik
The Nalchik Garrison Military Court has sentenced a serviceman named Bizhoev, finding him guilty of two counts of unauthorized absence from duty during the mobilization period. He was sentenced to six years of imprisonment in a general-regime penal colony.
According to the court's press service, the first incident occurred on November 6, 2024: the serviceman failed to report to his military unit at the appointed time and remained at his place of residence until November 27, 2025. He then voluntarily turned himself in to the police department of the Leskenskiy District in Kabardino-Balkaria.
The second incident took place on December 9, 2025. According to the court, Bizhoev left his duty station without authorization and remained absent until April 12, 2026, after which he voluntarily reported to his military unit located in North Ossetia.
During the trial, the serviceman fully admitted his guilt and expressed remorse for his actions. The court found him guilty on two counts under Part 5 of Article 337 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and, considering the offenses in aggregate, sentenced him to six years in a general-regime penal colony.
Penalties for unauthorized departure from a military unit and failure to report for duty were increased following the introduction of mobilization in Russia in September 2022. The maximum penalty under the relevant article is up to 10 years of imprisonment.
