- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/150914193859-ukraine-flag.jpg?q=x_569,y_1158,h_2095,w_3724,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/150914193859-ukraine-flag.jpg?q=x_569,y_1158,h_2095,w_3724,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html=" Amanpour " data-byline-html="
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Published 5:39 AM EDT, Tue September 29, 2015
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An ukrainian flag flies in central Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Ukraine's acting government issued a warrant Monday for the arrest of President Viktor Yanukovych, last reportedly seen in the pro-Russian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, accusing him of mass crimes against protesters who stood up for months against his rule. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Ukraine military chief: 'Ceasefire is holding'
08:17 - Source: CNN

Story highlights

Two men are accused of 'military aggression against Ukraine'

Prosecutor says he will seek life sentences

CNN  — 

The trial of two alleged Russian soldiers captured in eastern Ukraine opened Tuesday in Kiev, the Ukrainian capital.

The two men, Yevhen Yarofeev and Oleksandr Aleksandrov, are accused of “military aggression against Ukraine” and terrorist activity. Ukraine’s chief military prosecutor, Anatoliy Matios, has said he will demand the “maximum sanction” – life sentences.

The pair, said by Ukraine to be members of Russian special forces, have been held since May. Russia, which denies that its troops are present in Ukraine, says the two are “former soldiers.”

Defense asking for trial to be held in the east

Russia has been accused by the government in Kiev of sending soldiers and equipment to help separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Tuesday’s hearing concerned procedural issues.

The defense has asked for the trial to take place in eastern Ukraine, where the men were detained. But prosecutors say the security situation in the east makes that impossible.

CNN’s Don Melvin contributed to this report.