Liudmila Kolesnikova is a political prisoner

A resident of Crimea has been charged with treason for allegedly purchasing two NFT stamps featuring the Ukrainian retort ‘Russian warship, go fuck yourself’

The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Liudmila Kolesnikova a political prisoner. Kolesnikova is being prosecuted on a charge of treason for allegedly purchasing two NFT stamps, part of the proceeds from which may have gone towards the purchase of drones for the Ukrainian armed forces. Kolesnikova’s criminal prosecution violates her right to a fair trial. We demand the immediate release of Liudmila Kolesnikova and that all criminal charges against her be dropped.

What are the charges against Liudmila Kolesnikova?

Kolesnikova has dual Ukrainian and Russian citizenship. Having previously served in the Ukrainian police, after the occupation of Crimea, she joined the Russian police. In 2022, she moved to Ireland and began working as a beautician.

In June 2024, she travelled to Yalta to care for her mother, who was dying of cancer. After her mother’s funeral, on 27 June, Kolesnikova was detained by FSB officers, who accused her of allegedly swearing in a public place. She was jailed under administrative law for 12 days and then released, though unofficially she was told not to leave her home.

At the end of July, Kolesnikova was taken to Pre-trial Detention Centre No. 2 in Simferopol and held in complete isolation. However, a criminal case was not formally opened against her until 3 October 2024. It remains unclear on what legal basis she was deprived of her liberty for more than two months.

The prosecution claims that in 2022 Kolesnikova purchased two NFT stamps via the Ukrainian government portal ‘Diia.’ Part of the proceeds from the sale of these stamps was reportedly used to fund drones for the Ukrainian armed forces. On this basis, Kolesnikova was charged with treason for having ‘provided financial assistance to a foreign state engaged in activities directed against the security of the Russian Federation’ (Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code). If convicted, Kolesnikova faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

Why do we consider Liudmila Kolesnikova a political prisoner?

The charges against Liudmila Kolesnikova must be viewed in the context of the Russian Federation’s criminal invasion of Ukraine. We believe her alleged financial support for the Ukrainian armed forces posed no threat to Russian national security and was instead aimed at opposing an aggressive war that itself endangers that security.

Moreover, there are serious doubts about the fact of the purchase of the stamps as alleged by the investigative authorities: journalists were unable to find any official confirmation that they exist.

Kolesnikova’s prosecution has been accompanied by serious violations of her rights. She was held for a long period in torturous conditions in total isolation, without any official procedural status or access to legal assistance.

The case of Liudmila Kolesnikova reflects the growing use of politically motivated repression in Russia, especially since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. Charges of treason are increasingly being used as a tool to intimidate dissenters.

A detailed description of Liudmila Kolesnikova’s case and of our position is available on our website.

Recognition of an individual as a political prisoner does not imply the ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project agrees with, or approves of, their views, statements, or actions.

How can you help?

You can write to Liudmila Koleshikova at the following address:

RU: 295006, Республика Крым, г. Симферополь, б-р Ленина, д. 4, ФКУ СИЗО-1 УФСИН России по Республике Крым и г. Севастополю, Колесниковой Людмиле Вячеславовне, 1990 г. р.

EN: Liudmila Vyacheslavovna Kolesnikova (born 1990), Remand Prison No. 1, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, 4 Lenina Boulevard, Simferopol, Republic of Crimea, 295006, Russia.

You can also send emails via the F-Pismo and ZT services (for payment with Russian bank cards), PrisonMail (for payment with other bank cards), OVD-Info and Memorial-France (free of charge).

We respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine. However, for letters to reach their recipients in the occupied territories, addresses must be written according to Russian rules.

Please note that letters in languages other than Russian are highly unlikely to reach the recipient.

You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.