Detention: On February 6, 2024, an explosion occurred in an apartment building in occupied Sevastopol. Initially, the occupation authorities claimed it was a household gas explosion, but later the FSB of Russia announced it was an alleged assassination attempt on a Russian Black Sea Fleet officer. Nadiya Grekova was detained and charged with high treason (Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), a terrorist act (Part 3 of Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), training for the purpose of committing terrorist activities (Article 205.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), and illegal possession of explosives (Part 4 of Article 222.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). According to the Russian investigation, she allegedly acted on the instructions of Ukrainian special services. Human rights defenders emphasize that the case was considered in a closed session, making independent verification of the evidence impossible.

Sentence: On July 30, 2025, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Nadiya Grekova to 22 years in a general regime colony. This is one of the harshest sentences given to a Ukrainian civilian during the full-scale war. After the verdict, she was transferred to Correctional Colony No. 7 in the Republic of Buryatia (Russian Federation).

Nadiya Serhiivna Grekova was born on February 12, 1986. She is a Ukrainian citizen, resident of Sevastopol, professional photographer, athlete, and mother of two sons. According to her friends, she was known in the city as a creative person and actively participated in sports life. Before the criminal prosecution, there was no information in open sources about her involvement in violent activities.

After her detention, Nadiya was held in custody in occupied Crimea and later transferred to Rostov-on-Don. The trial was conducted in a closed session, significantly limiting opportunities for independent oversight. The lack of transparency in the case and the absence of access to the proceedings' materials are among the main reasons human rights organizations continue to demand international monitoring of this case.

During the trial, the Russian side claimed that Nadiya Grekova allegedly carried out tasks for Ukrainian special services and participated in preparing the explosion that resulted in the death of a Russian Black Sea Fleet officer. Meanwhile, independent human rights defenders point out that the trial was conducted in a closed session, the criminal case materials were inaccessible to the public, making it impossible to verify the validity of the charges. Due to the lack of openness and independent oversight, the case raises serious concerns regarding the right to a fair trial.

As of July 9, 2026, Nadiya Grekova continues to serve her sentence unlawfully in the Russian Federation. Human rights defenders insist on the need for international monitoring of her case, ensuring the right to a fair trial, and the release of all Ukrainian citizens detained on politically motivated charges.

Information used from open sources: Suspilne Crimea, ZMINA, Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIPL), Center for Civil Liberties.

Photo: Suspilne Crimea.

Last updated: 09.07.2026.