MOSCOW (AP) — A Russian man went on trial Thursday on charges of high treason for a video he had allegedly sent to Ukraine's security services, the latest in a growing series of espionage cases involving the conflict.
The Volgograd District Court began hearing a new case against Nikita Zhuravel, who is currently serving a 3 1/2-year sentence for burning a Quran in front of a mosque.
The new charges are based on allegations that Zhuravel filmed a trainload of military equipment and warplanes in 2023 and sent the video to a representative of Ukraine’s security agency. He could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.
Rights activists say Zhuravel is a political prisoner who was beaten while in custody.
While in pretrial custody before his first sentence, Zhuravel was beaten by the 15-year-old son of Ramzan Kadyrov, the Kremlin-appointed strongman leader of the mostly Muslim region of Chechnya. The elder Kadyrov posted the video on social media and praised his son, causing public outrage. He later awarded his son with the medal of “Hero of the Republic of Chechnya.”
Federal authorities have refrained from any criticism of the Chechen strongman.
Separately, a military court on Thursday sentenced to 24 years in prison a man convicted of treason and terrorism for setting fire to a military recruitment office in Moscow. Prosecutors said Sergei Andreev committed the November 2023 attack on instructions from the Ukrainian special services that he received on a messaging app.
Treason and espionage cases have skyrocketed after President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. The cases have targeted a wide range of suspects, from Kremlin critics and independent journalists to scientists, drawing attention from rights groups.
The legal definition of treason has been expanded to include providing vaguely defined “assistance” to foreign countries or organizations, effectively exposing to prosecution anyone in contact with foreigners.
Nikita Zhuravel, right, is escorted by the police to a courtroom prior to a hearing of a treason case in Volgograd, Russia, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo)
Nikita Zhuravel, right, is escorted by the police to a court prior to a hearing of a treason case in Volgograd, Russia, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo)
Nikita Zhuravel, right, is escorted by the police to a court prior to a hearing of a treason case in Volgograd, Russia, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo)
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 14, 2024--
Wildix, a global leader in Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), today announced the launch of Sales Elevate Lab, the first-ever training program specifically designed to empower sales teams in mastering UC&C sales. This new program is open to all sales teams, whether existing Wildix partners or not, delivering the expertise necessary to excel in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving market.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241114891123/en/
As the digital transformation accelerates, sales teams are facing increasingly complex challenges. Research shows that 87% of sales training is forgotten within 30 days, while 77% of B2B buyers report highly intricate purchasing journeys. The Sales Elevate Lab addresses these challenges directly by offering a comprehensive, hands-on training experience that delivers practical, proven strategies to navigate the unique demands of the UC&C sales landscape.
"When we learned about Sales Elevate Lab, it felt like a natural fit for us,” said Silvano Samaretz, CEO and Owner, Starsystem, Wildix Partner. “Programs like this are always helpful, but what makes this one stand out from traditional training programs is the chance to learn directly from Alberto and the Wildix team, who truly understand the market challenges we face every day. We’re excited to sharpen our skills, learn new approaches and keep building on the incredible support and expertise we’ve always relied on from Wildix.”
Wildix's channel-only approach ensures that the Sales Elevate Lab benefits the broader sales community, setting itself apart from traditional vendors who often focus on internal teams. The program delivers cost-effective, actionable solutions that help sales professionals address today’s complex buyer journeys, empowering them to thrive and drive success.
Program highlights include:
Led by industry expert Alberto Benigno, whose career includes roles at Oracle, LinkedIn and Gartner, the Sales Elevate Lab draws on proven industry methodologies, such as the ValueSelling™ framework and incorporates insights inspired by leading research and strategies from Gartner and Harvard. This approach ensures participants have actionable tools to succeed in an evolving market while gaining alignment with industry best practices.
“Sales Elevate Lab is more than just a program to me, it’s a passion project born from my years of experience in the industry,” said Alberto Benigno, CSO, Wildix. “Through this initiative, I’m committed to sharing the valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout my career, helping sales professionals succeed and excel in an increasingly competitive and volatile market. This program is designed to empower every participant, no matter where they are in their sales journey or what solutions they sell, to find their path to success and stand out in a crowded field.”
Sales Elevate Lab kicks off with exclusive in-person sessions in May 2025, in Nashville, Barcelona and Rome. Sales teams interested in securing their spot and taking their sales strategies to the next level are encouraged to visit saleselevatelab.com and join the waitlist today.
About Wildix
Wildix is a premier provider of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solutions, committed to empowering organizations to elevate collaboration and enhance operational efficiency. The platform seamlessly integrates telephony, video meetings, and team chat functionalities, all enhanced by cutting-edge AI capabilities. With its robust integrated PBX system, Wildix guarantees reliable, enterprise-grade communication tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Dedicated to delivering exceptional customer support, Wildix guides organizations through the complexities of modern communication, enabling them to stay connected and competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. Its vertical solution, x‑hoppers, is designed specifically for frontline workers, equipping teams to provide superior customer experiences and drive success across various industries.
About Sales Elevate Lab
Sales Elevate Lab is a premier training program designed to help sales teams master UC&C sales. Founded by Alberto Benigno, CSO of Wildix, the program combines proven sales strategies with real-world insights to equip professionals with the skills needed to excel in today’s competitive market. Sales Elevate Lab offers a two-tiered experience: hands-on training through the Sales Academy and exclusive mentorship via the Mastery Lab, providing all sales teams with the tools they need to thrive in the UC&C space.
Wildix launches first-ever UC&C-focused sales training program (Photo: Business Wire)
