Detention: In late May 2023, in occupied Kerch, Russian security forces detained Yehor Savchenko and Mykhailo Zhydkov. Prior to this, both were subjected to administrative arrest, followed by criminal proceedings for pro-Ukrainian and anti-war graffiti in the city. According to human rights defenders, they were accused of vandalism motivated by political hatred (Part 2, Article 214 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), which carries a penalty of up to three years in prison. After their detention, they were placed under house arrest. Before the criminal case was opened, the pro-Russian Telegram channel 'Crimean SMERSH' released a video showing Savchenko and Zhydkov apologizing under pressure for 'pro-Ukrainian graffiti' and expressing support for the Russian invasion. Human rights defenders consider such videos as elements of psychological pressure and coercion.

Verdict: As of July 27, 2026, there is no confirmed information from independent sources regarding a final verdict for Yehor Savchenko. It is known that after the criminal case was initiated, he was under house arrest. The Russian side has publicly provided little information on the court proceedings, and human rights organizations have not reported on the verdict becoming legally binding.

Yehor Savchenko is a resident of Kerch, Autonomous Republic of Crimea. At the time of his detention, he was 20 years old.

In late May 2023, the pro-Russian Telegram channel 'Crimean SMERSH', run by blogger Oleksandr Talipov, published personal data of Yehor Savchenko and a video of his so-called 'apologies'. In the video, the young man claims to have painted 'radical pro-Ukrainian graffiti' and allegedly changed his views. Human rights defenders have repeatedly emphasized that such recordings are made under psychological pressure after detentions and are used as a tool to intimidate residents of occupied Crimea.

Following this, Russian security forces opened a criminal case against Yehor Savchenko and Mykhailo Zhydkov. According to the information and analytical center 'Sova', the likely charge was vandalism motivated by political hatred. The basis was anti-war inscriptions and graffiti supporting Ukraine. No information on the use of violence or preparation of other crimes against the young men has been disclosed.

Human rights defenders note that this case is an example of the persecution of residents of occupied Crimea for peacefully expressing a pro-Ukrainian position. The use of criminal law against individuals expressing dissent with the Russian occupation is viewed as a violation of freedom of expression and international humanitarian law.

As of July 27, 2026, there is no confirmed information from independent sources about the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, issuance of a final verdict, or release of Yehor Savchenko. His case remains one of the documented instances of persecution of residents of occupied Crimea for a pro-Ukrainian stance.

Information used from open sources: Human Rights Center ZMINA, Krym.Realii.

Update date: 27.07.2026.