Detention: On May 30, 2023, Kyrylo Barannik was unlawfully detained by FSB officers in Simferopol. Witnesses reported he was seized in broad daylight on the Salgir River embankment, a bag was placed over his head, and he was taken for interrogation.

Sentence: As of July 17, 2026, no verdict has been issued in the case. Kyrylo Barannik remains in custody awaiting trial at the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don. The Russian side accuses him of: Article 205.3 - Undergoing training for terrorist activities; Article 222.1, part 4 - Illegal circulation of explosives committed by a group; Article 226.1, part 3 - Smuggling of explosives by an organized group; Article 205.4, part 2 - Organization of a terrorist group; Article 205, part 2 - Terrorist act committed by a group; Article 275 - High treason.

Kyrylo Yuriyovych Barannik was born on February 8, 1998, and lived in Simferopol with his retired mother before his detention.

From childhood, his life was closely linked to sports, choosing orienteering as his discipline. His persistence and diligence paid off as Barannik achieved the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine in orienteering. He was well-known in the Crimean and Ukrainian orienteering community, valued as a talented and promising athlete.

Kyrylo represented Ukraine in numerous national and international competitions. Notably, in 2014, he competed in the European Youth Championships in Macedonia. His participation under the Ukrainian flag demonstrated not only a high level of preparation but also personal dedication to his country.

Despite difficult living conditions in occupied Crimea, Kyrylo maintained a clear pro-Ukrainian stance. He consistently emphasized that he was born and raised in Ukraine, and this identity was an inseparable part of his life.

On May 30, 2023, Russian FSB officers detained Kyrylo Barannik in Simferopol. Witnesses reported this occurred during the day on the Salgir River embankment. A bag was placed over his head, and he was forcibly taken to the FSB building. Initially, Russian authorities accused him of alleged involvement in the sabotage of a railway track near the village of Poshtove in the Bakhchysarai district. Later, the list of charges was significantly expanded to include high treason, participation in a terrorist organization, preparation of a terrorist act, illegal possession of explosives, and other serious charges under the Russian Criminal Code.

After his detention, Kyrylo reported systematic torture by FSB officers. He stated that he was subjected to electric shocks, severely beaten with hands and feet, subjected to simulated drowning, and threatened with the murder of his mother and sexual violence against relatives. His hands and feet were tied, electrodes were attached to his fingers, earlobes, and various parts of his body, and during interrogations, he was forced to sign statements required by the investigation. His lawyer documented numerous bodily injuries: burns, bruises, swelling, and other signs of torture. The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine reported that after the torture, Kyrylo developed kidney problems and partially lost sensitivity in his right hand.

Despite severe physical and psychological pressure, Kyrylo Barannik refused to admit most of the charges and stated he was not acquainted with most of the other defendants in the case. Human rights defenders emphasize that the case is based on questionable evidence, and statements obtained under torture cannot be considered admissible evidence according to international law.

In 2024, Kyrylo Barannik's case, along with seven other Ukrainian citizens, was transferred to the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don. The Russian side claims they were allegedly part of an organized group preparing sabotage and attacks on representatives of the occupation administration in Crimea. Ukrainian human rights organizations call these accusations unfounded and politically motivated, highlighting the systematic use of torture and fabrication of criminal cases against Ukrainian citizens.

As of July 17, 2026, Kyrylo Barannik is held in Pre-trial Detention Centre No. 5 in the Rostov region of the Russian Federation, awaiting the conclusion of the trial. Human rights defenders report that the consequences of torture continue to negatively affect his health.

Information used from open sources: Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Suspilne Crimea, 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial'.

Photo: Suspilne Crimea.

Date of update: 17.07.2026