Volunteer Ukrainian drone-builder behind bars for ‘evading’ military conscription (Video)

Dimitry Yavdoshenko, one of Ukraine’s brightest young volunteer engineers contributing to the government’s efforts to tackle Russia-backed militants in the Donbas by building drones, has been sentenced to two years in prison, ironically, for avoiding the military draft. 

Yavdoshenko has even invested his own money for over a year in his UAV project, while asking the authorities for a postponement after receiving conscription papers, according to his wife, Ukraine Today reports.

There still is a high chance that Yavdoshenko will be acquitted at the appeals court, say the officials at his recruitment office.

Even if drafted, the young volunteer would be of better use to the army not on the front line but in the rear, where he can pursue his UAV project.