Sergei Ulukshonov is a political prisoner
A resident of Krasnoyarsk has been sentenced to four years and eight months in a strict regime penal colony for allegedly planning to join a Ukrainian military unit
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Sergei Ulukshonov a political prisoner. Ulukshonov was convicted on a charge of preparing to participate in an armed group on the territory of a foreign state not provided for by the legislation of that state, for purposes deemed contrary to the interests of the Russian Federation, for allegedly planning to join a Ukrainian military unit. Ulukshonov’s prosecution and conviction violated his right to a fair trial. We demand the immediate release of Sergei Ulukshonov and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What were the charges against Sergei Ulukshonov?
On 8 April 2022, Sergei Ulukshonov was detained by Belarusian border guards near the border with Ukraine. He was handed over to Russian security forces and on 12 April he was remanded him in custody on charges of preparing to participate in an armed group on the territory of a foreign state not provided for by the legislation of that state, for purposes deemed contrary to the interests of the Russian Federation (Article 30, Part 1, in conjunction with Article 208, Part 2).
According to the prosecution, Ulukshonov disagreed with the policies of the Russian authorities and intended to travel to Ukraine to join volunteer groups, either the Free Russia Legion or the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment. Ulukshonov pleaded guilty but stated that he did not intend to take part in combat operations, but had wanted to provide other, practical assistance to Ukrainian units.
On 8 December 2022, Ulukshonov was convicted as charged and sentenced to four years and eight months in a strict regime penal colony, followed by one year’s probation.
Why do we consider Sergei Ulukshonov a political prisoner?
Even if Sergei Ulukshonov had indeed planned to join the Free Russia Legion or the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment to take part in hostilities on Ukraine’s side, his actions would not have constituted a crime. Both units are part of the Ukrainian armed forces and cannot be considered units ‘not provided for by Ukrainian legislation.’ Alongside other Ukrainian military units, the Free Russia Legion and the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment are engaged in the defence of Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Under international law, the only prohibited form of participation by foreign citizens in an armed conflict is mercenarism. The actions which Ulukshonov allegedly planned do not fall under this definition. In particular, even the verdict states that his motives were based on personal conviction, not financial gain.
The article criminalising participation in hostilities ‘for purposes contrary to the interests of the Russian Federation’ violates the principle of legal certainty. We believe that what contradicts the interests of the Russian Federation is Russia’s war against Ukraine, not the defence of Ukraine from Russian aggression.
A detailed description of Sergei Ulukshonov’s case and of our position is available on our website.
Recognition of an individual as a political prisoner does not imply the ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project agrees with, or approves of, their views, statements, or actions.
How can you help?
You can write to Sergei Ulukshonov at the following address:
RU: 658209, Алтайский край, г. Рубцовск, ул. Тракторная 26А, ФКУ ИК-10, Улукшонову Сергею Сергеевичу, 1992 г. р.
EN: Sergei Sergeevich Ulukshonov (born 1992), Penal Colony No. 10, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Altai Krai, 26A Traktornaya Street, Rubtsovsk, Altai Krai, 658209, Russia.
You can also send emails via the ZT service (for payment with Russian bank cards), OVD-Info and Memorial-France (free of charge).
Please note that letters in languages other than Russian are highly unlikely to reach the intended recipient.
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
