Arrest: Mykola was detained by FSB officers in December 2024. According to Russian investigators, he allegedly photographed locations of Russian air defense systems and transmitted this information to Ukrainian intelligence. In addition to charges of treason (Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code), he was also accused of illegal acquisition, manufacture, storage, and transportation of explosives and explosive devices (Articles 222.1 and 223.1 of the Russian Criminal Code). Ukrainian human rights activists emphasize that it is impossible to independently verify the circumstances of the case, as the trial was held in a closed session and the investigation materials remain inaccessible to the public.

Sentence: In September 2025, the Russian-controlled 'Supreme Court of the Republic of Crimea' found Mykola Davydchenko guilty and sentenced him to 17 years in a high-security penal colony. The court also imposed a significant fine and further restrictions on his freedom after release. The Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea called this sentence illegal and highlighted the case as another example of using Russian criminal law to persecute Ukrainian citizens in the temporarily occupied territory.

Mykola Davydchenko is a Ukrainian citizen, a 59-year-old resident of Feodosia (temporarily occupied Crimea). Little is known about his biography from open sources. He lived in Feodosia and was not a public figure or mentioned in open sources in connection with political activities before his detention. Therefore, human rights defenders view his case as another example of criminal prosecution of civilians in the occupied peninsula. After his arrest, he was held in isolation, and information about his detention conditions was limited.

During the trial, the Russian side claimed that Mykola Davydchenko allegedly collected information on military facilities and stored explosives. Meanwhile, Ukrainian human rights activists note that due to the closed nature of the trial, it is impossible to verify the credibility of these accusations or assess the evidence used as the basis for the verdict.

After the verdict, Ukrainian human rights organizations pointed out that Mykola Davydchenko's case was considered in complete secrecy. Information about the evidence, witness testimonies, and court proceedings was practically not disclosed. Therefore, it is impossible to independently verify the validity of the charges. Human rights activists emphasize that such practices have become typical for criminal cases of so-called 'treason' that Russia considers against Ukrainian citizens in temporarily occupied territories.

As of July 9, 2026, Mykola Davydchenko remains unlawfully detained in places of deprivation of liberty in the Russian Federation. Human rights organizations continue to document his case as one of many related to the persecution of Ukrainian civilians in occupied Crimea.

Information used from open sources: Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Human Rights Center ZMINA, CrimeaSOS, Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR), Center for Civil Liberties.

Update date: 09.07.2026.