Kathrine Frich
War comes with risk, and soldiers expect danger on the battlefield.
But few would imagine that even a routine coffee break could carry a deadly threat.
Russian authorities now claim that an everyday setting was used in an alleged attempt to target Russian troops far from the front lines.
A shocking claim
A 24-year-old barista has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being accused of attempting to poison Russian soldiers, according to reports from the Daily Express.
Pol Lukashevich was convicted of high treason after allegedly adding industrial chemicals to drinks served to troops in the southern city of Stavropol.
Investigators say he used his role in a café to target servicemen, claiming the plan was uncovered before it could cause wider harm.
Severe punishment
The court handed Lukashevich a lengthy sentence, which will begin in prison before he is transferred to a strict penal colony.
He was also found guilty on additional charges including terrorism and extremism, significantly increasing the severity of his punishment.
Authorities allege he had links to the Freedom of Russia Legion, an anti-Kremlin paramilitary group, and was attempting to recruit others.
Questions remain
Despite the conviction, independent outlets have pointed to gaps in the official narrative, including limited information about the alleged victims.
It is not known how many soldiers were affected or how serious the supposed poisoning was.
Reports state that an industrial descaler was used, a substance that can cause serious internal harm if consumed, though its exact impact in this case is unclear.
The case comes amid heightened tensions inside Russia as authorities crack down on perceived internal threats during the war in Ukraine.
Security services have increasingly focused on rooting out sabotage and dissent, often resulting in severe penalties for those accused.
Sources: Daily Express, East2West News
