[MTVN]

I don't think they will actually be killed, there'll be an appeal and they'll be given life sentences instead as 'a great show of clemency'

Difficult for the UK though because if they put a lot of effort into getting their release it backs up the idea they're British mercenaries (whereas actually both are members of the Ukrainian military) and it raises the awkward prospect of contacting people in the DPR which gives legitimacy to their fake country. Also difficult for Ukraine because why should they put extra effort into freeing these three compared to the hundreds of others captured