The White House on Tuesday criticized the Russian government’s assumption that two Americans captured in Ukraine could be sentenced to death.
“It is appalling that a Russian government official would even offer the death penalty for two American citizens who have been to Ukraine,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told a White House briefing.
“We will continue to try to learn what we can about this,” he added.
Alexander Drucke, 39, and Andy Huin, 27, are believed to have been held by the pro-Moscow Donetsk People’s Republic, which this month sentenced one Moroccan and two British fighters to death.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told NBC on Monday that the two were “soldiers of fate” eligible for criminal proceedings – before saying in a news conference Tuesday that Russia “cannot rule out” their executions.
National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby has criticized reports that two Americans could be executed after fighting for Ukraine. AFP through Getty Images Dmitry Peskov refused to rule out executions for Americans. NBC News
“We can’t rule anything out, because these are court decisions. We do not comment on them and we have no right to interfere, “Peskov said.
Drucke and Huyn, both U.S. military veterans from Alabama, are believed to have been captured near Kharkov while helping Ukraine fight the Russian invasion, which began on February 24.
Russia recognizes Donetsk as an independent state, but its rebel leaders since 2014 have relied heavily on Russia for support. Russia does not have the death penalty as a punishment, but the breakaway state has.
In a video interview recorded after their capture, an investigator potentially linked to the pro-Russian rebels said Huyn was eligible for the death penalty under the laws of the Republic of Donetsk.
American veteran Andy Huyne was captured in Ukraine.RU-RTR / Distribution via REUTERS TV Alexander Drucke is believed to be held by the Donetsk People’s Republic.RU-RTR / Distribution via REUTERS TV
“You know about the death sentence that was handed down to the two British soldiers, and are you aware of the realistic possibility of death happening to you?” The man said.
Huynh replied, potentially under duress, that “I know I have committed crimes and I am ready to accept my punishment.”
British and Moroccan fighters, previously sentenced to death by firing squad, have not yet been killed.
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