A Russian court says the trial of Ukrainian film director Oleh Sentsov, who is accused of plotting terrorist attacks, will start on July 21.

At a preliminary hearing into Sentsov's case on July 9, a military court in the city of Rostov-on-Don also extended his pretrial detention to December 16.

Sentsov and three other Ukrainian citizens were arrested in May 2014 on suspicion of planning terrorist attacks in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia two months earlier.

Sentsov was charged with organizing a terrorist group, planning terrorist attacks, and illegally acquiring explosives.

He denies any wrongdoing.

If found guilty, Sentsov could face up to 20 years in jail.

Based on reporting by Interfax and rapsinews.ru