Fate of Russian girl separated from father over her Ukraine drawing unclear

MOSCOW — The fate of a Russian child who drew a pro-peace sketch at school was unclear Wednesday, a day after her father escaped from house arrest during his sentencing for criticizing Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.

Single father Alexei Moskalyov fled Tuesday as he was handed a two-year sentence for "discrediting" the Russian army in the small town of Yefremov, south of Moscow.

His 13-year-old daughter Maria was taken away from him earlier this month and placed in a local rehabilitation center, with the pair denied contact.

The case has garnered national attention, as Moscow cracks down on any dissent while troops fight in Ukraine.

The Kremlin on Wednesday defended Moskalyov's sentencing, saying it had studied the case and that "there really was deplorable parenting."

Moskalyov's lawyer Vladimir Biliyenko said he did not know where his client was and that he was denied access to Maria, but was passed drawings from her.

He also confirmed the authenticity of a letter published on social media written by Maria to her father.

"I love you very much and know that you are not guilty of anything," the letter read.

"Everything will be ok and we will be together. You are my hero," it said.

She called him "the bravest person in the world."

Biliyenko told AFP it was now "difficult to predict" what will happen to Maria, with a court due to decide on April 6 on restricting the 54-year-old father's parental rights. — Agence France-Presse

"We will do everything possible to defend (Moskalyov) from these charges," the lawyer said.