Former political prisoners of Crimea, who were persecuted for their pro-Ukrainian views during the occupation of the peninsula, have returned to Ukraine and continue their fight for freedom and independence of their country. Their clear stance, courage and unwavering principles have set an example for many, and now they are defending the country’s sovereignty as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Oleg Sentsov is a well-known filmmaker and civic activist who was subjected to repression in Crimea and served five years in a Russian prison. After his release, Oleg was awarded the French Legion of Honor for his fight for human rights. Currently, the director serves in the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Magura. He also continues to support the Ukrainian army and volunteer initiatives, actively covering events at the front.
Oleksandr Kolchenko, who had been in Russian detention for more than 5 years, signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine on February 24, 2024, and stood up for the defense of the Ukrainian state. He is fighting on the southern frontline. Oleksandr received the Order for Courage, first class.
Gennadiy Afanasyev is another former political prisoner who was held in a pre-trial detention center for 2 years. After his release, he returned to the front to defend Ukraine. Unfortunately, his life ended on December 18, 2022, while performing a combat mission. Gennadiy was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage” of the third degree for his bravery and self-sacrifice in the fight for Ukraine.
After returning from Russian imprisonment, where he spent almost 3 years, Volodymyr Balukh became actively involved in public activities. After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he defended Kyiv as part of the Territorial Defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Yevhen Panov, who went through a difficult path of captivity and persecution lasting 3 years, also returned to active struggle for his homeland. He defended Ukraine at the front from 2014 to 2015, and is now the head of the Enerhodar Self-Defense “Nobody but Us” NGO and the International Charitable Foundation for Assistance to ATO Veterans “Heroes of Ukraine”. After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Yevhen went to defend Ukraine as part of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Ihor Movenko was held in a Russian detention center for a month and a half, and later received a 2-year suspended sentence for his pro-Ukrainian sentiments. After his release, the man left Crimea, and from the first day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and continued his struggle. For his courage and contribution to the defense of the state, Ihor received a state award from the President of Ukraine – the medal “For the Defense of Ukraine”.
The example of these people demonstrates that the fight for freedom does not end with release. Former political prisoners continue to fight for Ukraine on the front line, defending their homeland from the aggressor.
Glory to the Heroes!