Detention: In October 2023, she was detained by Russian security forces and charged with 'treason' (Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code) in the form of alleged espionage. According to Russian investigators, she transmitted information to the Ukrainian side about the location of Russian military facilities in the temporarily occupied territory. Human rights defenders emphasize that the criminal prosecution was only possible after she was coerced into accepting Russian citizenship, and the application of Russian law to the civilian population of the occupied territory violates international humanitarian law.

Sentence: In June 2024, the Zaporizhzhia Regional Court, established by Russia in the occupied territory, found Oksana Hladkykh guilty of 'treason' and sentenced her to 14 years in a general regime colony, followed by one year of restricted freedom.

Oksana Mykolayivna Hladkykh was born on September 11, 1976, a Ukrainian citizen and mother of multiple children from the village of Pryazovske, Zaporizhzhia region. After the full-scale Russian invasion, her locality came under occupation. According to human rights defenders, under pressure from the occupation authorities, Oksana was forced to obtain a Russian passport so her children could attend school and access basic social services.

Oksana Hladkykh lived in the village of Pryazovske, Zaporizhzhia region, and raised four children, three of whom are minors. Before the criminal prosecution, she led a normal civilian life, focusing on her family and household. After the region's occupation, the family faced constant pressure from the occupation administration. According to human rights defenders, obtaining a Russian passport was a forced measure dictated by the need to ensure her children's access to education and basic services.

As of July 9, 2026, Oksana Hladkykh remains unlawfully detained in facilities designated by the Russian occupation authorities. Her case remains an example of the persecution of civilians in occupied Ukrainian territories using Russian criminal law, contrary to international humanitarian law.

Information used from open sources: Human rights project 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial', ZMINA, Human Rights Center ZMINA, Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIPL), Center for Civil Liberties.

Photo: Human rights project 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial'.

Last updated: 09.07.2026.