Former champion Yuliia Lemeshchenko was accused of multiple charges, including treason against Russia.
Former Ukrainian powerlifting champion Yuliia Lemeshchenko has been sentenced to 19 years in prison after being charged with acts of sabotage and treason against Russia.
Lemeshckenko moved to Kharkiv in 2014 with her family and this is where she began her professional powerlifting career. She held Russian citizenship, which she attempted to denounce multiple times, but remained open about her position over the years involving the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“I’ve taken a side, I am not a citizen of the country I have decided to fight for. Nevertheless, I consider Ukraine my home, I love this country. I love Kharkiv infinitely.”
Lemeshchenko was pro-Ukraine during these events and was eventually accused of sabotage, treason, and terrorism in Russia. She did not feel guilty about her actions since she views Ukraine as her home. Prosecutors originally asked for a 23-year sentence but the judge sentenced the powerlifter to 19 years when she was brought in front of a Russian court.
Lemeshchenko turned into a well-known powerlifter in Ukraine. She competed in multiple sanctioned competitions during her career, including the Ukrainian Powerlifting Championships. In 2021, she was crowned champion in the 57kg division, becoming the national champion.
The Ukrainian Powerlifting Federation Stands Behind Champion
The UPF has been behind Yuliia Lemeshchenko during this process and shared a statement following her sentencing.
“The UPF condemns this unlawful persecution of a Ukrainian athlete and calls on international sports organizations to draw attention to the case and support the review of the sentence.
We call on international sports organizations, including the International Powerlifting Federation, to provide public support and draw attention to this case of political persecution of an athlete and to seek a review of the verdict.”
Yuliia Lemeshchenko received training in shooting and making explosive devices, which the court revealed. Lemeshchenko, who had her statements translated, defended her actions and felt the need to fight against the invasion rather than sitting back.
“In any war, people who find themselves involved in it either try to fight or run away. I don’t know, maybe they ran away because of cowardice or weakness. I don’t consider myself a cowardly or weak person, I decided to fight against this.”
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