Arrest: In October 2024, Russian FSB officers detained Serhii Borysovych Bodnarashyk, a resident of Sevastopol. According to the Russian investigation, from January to October 2023, he allegedly transmitted photographs and information about the locations of Russian military equipment and facilities in Sevastopol to Ukrainian intelligence services. A criminal case was initiated against him under Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code ('treason'). Human rights advocates emphasize that the case is politically motivated, occurring under the conditions of Crimea's occupation, where Russian authorities frequently apply the 'treason' charge against Ukrainian citizens.

Sentence: On August 22, 2025, the Russian-controlled Sevastopol City Court sentenced Serhii Bodnarashyk to 14 years in a high-security penal colony. In addition to the main sentence, the court imposed 1 year of restricted freedom following release and a fine of 200,000 Russian rubles. As of the latest reports, the sentence has not yet come into full effect due to an appeal.

Serhii Borysovych Bodnarashyk was born on October 13, 1978, and resided in Sevastopol.

After his arrest, Serhii Bodnarashyk was taken into custody. The Russian side claimed he allegedly voluntarily cooperated with Ukrainian intelligence services and transmitted military information via messaging apps. These claims cannot be independently verified, as the case materials were not disclosed, and the trial was held without public access. For this reason, Ukrainian and international human rights organizations urge skepticism towards the official Russian investigation's version.

During the trial, court sessions were held in closed session. As a result, independent journalists and human rights defenders could not verify the prosecution's materials or assess whether fair trial standards were upheld. It is only known that the Russian investigation accused Serhii Bodnarashyk of transmitting information about military facilities in Sevastopol to Ukrainian intelligence services. The defense and details of the accused's position were scarcely covered in open sources.

On August 22, 2025, the Russian-controlled Sevastopol City Court sentenced Serhii Bodnarashyk to 14 years in a high-security penal colony. Additionally, the court imposed 1 year of restricted freedom following release and a fine of 200,000 Russian rubles.

As of July 5, 2026, Serhii Bodnarashyk remains unlawfully imprisoned. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations continue to monitor his case and demand adherence to international humanitarian law standards concerning civilians residing in temporarily occupied territories.

Information used from open sources: ZMINA, CrimeaSOS, the Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Radio Liberty, Ukrinform, Suspilne Crimea.

Update date: 06.07.2026.