Arrest: On December 17, 2019, FSB officers detained Simferopol resident Denys Kashuk, concealing his whereabouts from family and lawyer for several days. Russian authorities accused him of illegal acquisition, storage, and smuggling of explosives. Relatives and defense reported physical and psychological pressure during detention, forcing him to refuse an independent lawyer. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and human rights organizations called the case politically motivated.

Sentence: On April 6, 2020, the Russian-controlled Armyansk City Court found Denys Kashuk guilty under Part 2 of Article 222.1 and Part 1 of Article 226.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (“illegal storage of explosives” and “smuggling of explosives”) and sentenced him to 3 years and 8 months in a general regime colony. The family reported that Denys admitted guilt only due to pressure and fear for his family's safety. He was released after serving his sentence.

Denys Anatoliyovych Kashuk was born on February 17, 1979, in Krasnoperekopsk (now Yani Kapu), Autonomous Republic of Crimea. He graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv with a degree in political science but did not work in his field, choosing advertising instead. Before his arrest, he was involved in producing and placing outdoor advertising, promotional products, and souvenirs in Simferopol. He was married and raising a young son with his wife. Relatives described him as apolitical, not participating in public or political activities.

On December 17, 2019, Denys left home for work and stopped communicating. The next day, FSB officers searched his apartment, seized equipment and documents, and informed the family he was detained on suspicion of illegal handling of weapons and explosives. Defense and relatives stated he was subjected to torture and psychological pressure after detention, forcing him to refuse an independent lawyer.

The Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea initiated a criminal case for the illegal detention of Denys Kashuk. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine lodged an official protest with the Russian Federation, emphasizing the baselessness of his detention and possible torture.

In April 2020, the Russian-controlled court sentenced Denys Kashuk to three years and eight months in a general regime colony. According to his lawyer, Denys agreed to plead guilty due to severe pressure and concern for his family's safety. Human rights defenders highlighted numerous violations during the investigation and trial, as well as the lack of convincing evidence of his guilt.

As of July 26, 2026, Denys Kashuk was released after serving his full sentence. His case remains an example of politically motivated criminal prosecution of Ukrainian citizens in occupied Crimea.

Information sourced from open sources: Krym.Realii, Ukrayinska Pravda, Radio Svoboda, Hromadske Radio, Office of the President of Ukraine in the AR Crimea, ZMINA.

Photo: ZMINA.

Update date: 26.07.2026.