Detention: In 2023, following the occupation of part of Kherson region, Russian security forces detained Mykyta Chebotar, who was involved in Ukrainian territorial defense activities. He was subsequently unlawfully transferred to occupied Crimea, where a criminal case was initiated against him.

Sentence: At the end of 2023, the Russian-controlled Kyiv District 'court' of Simferopol sentenced Mykyta Chebotar to 7 years in prison, finding him guilty of 'organizing an illegal armed formation' due to his command of a Ukrainian territorial defense unit. Later, the Russian prosecutor's office appealed the sentence, deeming it 'too lenient,' and the case was sent for retrial to the occupation court in Kherson region. As of 22.07.2026, there is no information about a final verdict in open independent sources.

Mykyta Chebotar is a Ukrainian citizen and resident of Kherson region. There is no reliable information in open sources about his date of birth, education, or professional activities prior to the full-scale Russian invasion. It is known that after the onset of large-scale aggression, he joined a Ukrainian territorial defense unit, established in accordance with Ukrainian law.

Following the occupation of part of Kherson region, Russian security forces detained Mykyta Chebotar. He was charged under the article for 'organizing an illegal armed formation.' The basis for the criminal prosecution was his participation in Ukrainian territorial defense activities, which is a legitimate component of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Human rights advocates emphasize that fulfilling duties within legitimate Ukrainian military formations cannot be considered a crime.

At the end of 2023, the Kyiv District 'court' of Simferopol found Mykyta Chebotar guilty and sentenced him to seven years in prison. Meanwhile, the Russian prosecutor's office filed an appeal, claiming the punishment was insufficiently severe. In 2024, the sentence was annulled, and the case materials were transferred to the occupation court in Kherson region for a new trial.

As of July 22, 2026, Mykyta Chebotar remains a victim of politically motivated persecution. There is no information in open independent sources about the completion of the retrial, the entry into force of a new verdict, or his release.

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

Update date: 22.07.2026.