Detention: On November 9, 2016, FSB officers in Sevastopol detained Ukrainian journalist, military analyst, and reserve officer of the Ukrainian Navy Oleksii Yuriiovych Bessarabov. Along with him, Volodymyr Dudka and Dmytro Shtyblikov were also detained. Russian special services claimed to have uncovered a 'sabotage-terrorist group' of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, allegedly preparing acts of sabotage in occupied Crimea. Ukrainian authorities, international organizations, and human rights defenders called the case fabricated, and the 'confessions' obtained during the investigation the result of coercion.

Sentence: On April 4, 2019, the Russia-controlled Sevastopol City Court found Oleksii Bessarabov guilty under Article 30, Part A, Section 2 of Article 281 ('Preparation for sabotage as part of an organized group'), Part 3 of Article 222.1 ('Illegal acquisition, storage of explosives or devices, committed by an organized group') of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, sentencing him to 14 years in a strict regime colony and a fine of 300,000 rubles. The sentence was upheld on appeal, and he was subsequently transferred to a colony in the Stavropol Krai of Russia. Ukrainian human rights defenders emphasize that the case is politically motivated and an example of the persecution of pro-Ukrainian journalists in Crimea.

Oleksii Yuriiovych Bessarabov was born on December 5, 1976, in the village of Kresttsy, Novgorod Oblast. In 1977, he moved with his parents to Sevastopol. He attended Sevastopol Secondary School No. 23, and from 1993, No. 34, graduating with honors in 1994. In 1994, he became a cadet at the Sevastopol Naval Institute named after P. S. Nakhimov, studying surface ship missile-artillery armament. He was awarded an Honorary Diploma by the Presidium of the Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea for excellent academic results, high military discipline, and diligent service. He graduated with honors in 1999. From 1999 to 2005, he served in officer positions in the Ukrainian Navy. On August 29, 2005, he was discharged from military service due to health reasons.

Captain-lieutenant in reserve. After returning to civilian life, from 2006 to 2009, he obtained a second higher education in journalism at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Master of Journalism. He worked as a correspondent for the news agency 'Glavred'. Under the pseudonym Oleksii Streletsky, he published in journals such as 'Shipping', 'Black Sea Security', 'Mirror Weekly', and others. Since 2009, he has been the deputy editor-in-chief of the journal 'Black Sea Security', and an expert at the Center for Assistance in Studying Geopolitical Problems and Euro-Atlantic Cooperation of the Black Sea Region 'Nomos'. He frequently published in the media as an expert, particularly writing about issues concerning the Russian Black Sea Fleet based in Sevastopol.

Married, has a son.

During the trial, Oleksii Bessarabov's defense repeatedly reported numerous procedural violations. Lawyers emphasized that the prosecution failed to provide convincing evidence of the existence of a 'sabotage group', and some investigation materials were classified. Bessarabov himself stated that he was subjected to psychological pressure after his detention, and the 'confession' broadcast by Russian TV channels was not voluntary. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations concluded that the case is politically motivated and another example of the persecution of Ukrainians remaining in occupied Crimea.

On April 4, 2019, the Russia-controlled Sevastopol City Court sentenced Oleksii Bessarabov to 14 years in a strict regime colony and a fine of 300,000 Russian rubles. After the appeal, the sentence was upheld. He was later transferred to a correctional colony in the Stavropol Krai of Russia, hundreds of kilometers from Crimea. The Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea emphasizes that the transfer of civilians from occupied territory to places of detention in Russia violates international humanitarian law.

During his imprisonment, Oleksii repeatedly appealed to the international community through open letters. In 2024, he addressed the U.S. Secretary of State, urging not to forget about Ukrainian political prisoners of the Kremlin. In his letters, he emphasized that the most difficult trial for political prisoners is not only isolation but also the feeling of being forgotten. His story has repeatedly been the subject of materials by Ukrainian journalists and human rights defenders.

Oleksii Bessarabov remains one of the most well-known Ukrainian political prisoners convicted in the so-called 'Ukrainian saboteurs' cases. Human rights defenders believe that Russia used these cases to create an information campaign about alleged 'terrorist activities of Ukraine' in occupied Crimea and to justify further repressions.

As of July 5, 2026, Oleksii Bessarabov continues to serve his sentence unlawfully. The Ukrainian state, human rights organizations, and international partners demand his release and consider him a political prisoner.

Information used from open sources: ZMINA, CrimeaSOS, Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners, Ukrainska Pravda, Radio Liberty, Ukrinform, The Ukrainians.

Photo: Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners.

Date of update: 06.07.2026