Russian Physicist Sentenced to 15 Years for Treason

Russian physicist Alexander Shiplyuk, director of the Khristianovich Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison on treason charges. Shiplyuk, who was arrested in August 2022, was accused of sharing classified information at a 2017 scientific conference in China, which he denied, claiming the information was publicly available. His conviction is part of a broader crackdown on scientists involved in Russia's hypersonic missile program, with several colleagues, including Anatoly Maslov and Alexander Kuranov, also receiving lengthy sentences. These cases reflect a growing paranoia among Russian political elites regarding military production and security. Russia has positioned itself as a leader in hypersonic missile technology, but Ukraine has had successes in intercepting these missiles, challenging their perceived invulnerability. Shiplyuk's trial, like many others, was held behind closed doors, and his lawyer has yet to comment on a possible appeal.