Writing letters to prison: How to support Ukrainians in Russian captivity

Since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has intensified its repression of Ukrainian citizens in the occupied territories. However, politically motivated persecution began much earlier — following the annexation of Crimea and the war in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

Russia has initiated criminal proceedings against Ukrainian citizens for their journalistic or human rights work, as well as for their religious affiliation. This includes prosecutions against members of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Crimean Muslims.

Participation in protests against the war and public criticism of the Russian occupation regime have also led to arrests and political persecution. In addition, Ukrainian civilians are frequently accused of sabotage, terrorism, extremism, or espionage.

Through these politically motivated prosecutions, Russia seeks to exert pressure on the Ukrainian government and force it into making concessions. According to the Ukrainian ombudsman for Human Rights, more than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians are unlawfully held as detainees across Russia and occupied territories.

Your words can bring hope and strength to Ukrainian prisoners held in Russian captivity. A letter or postcard is more than support and solidarity. When sent in large numbers, they become a powerful tool for drawing international attention.

• Show solidarity: Remind prisoners that they are not forgotten.
• Bring hope: Even the darkest days in prison can be brightened by a letter.
• Offer protection: Prisoners are less likely to face mistreatment when the world is watching.
• Make an impact: A small gesture from you can have a lasting effect on someone’s life.

We are not allowed to publish the addresses of prisoners. This is due to a law passed by Russia in 2023, which claims to protect personal data. Publishing these addresses would put the lawyers and families of political prisoners at risk.

Therefore, we will regularly feature different prisoners on this page to whom you can send your letters or postcards. Once you’ve written your message, please send your postcard or letter to LIBERECO. We will forward them to the respective Ukrainian prisoners in Russian prisons in bulk.

Please leave space on the postcards for the address. Feel free to affix the postage yourself, adding a stamp is voluntary. If you prefer, we can take care of the postage for you. We appreciate any donations. Please put your postcard or letter in an envelope and send it to our office in Berlin:

LIBERECO – Partnership for Human Rights e.V.
Reference: Ukrainian prisoners
Brunnenstraße 9
10119 Berlin / Germany

• Language: Letters should be written exclusively in Russian. Letters in Ukrainian (or any other language) are often not delivered due to censorship. If you do not speak Russian, you can write a letter in your native language on your computer. You can have the letter translated by an automated translation tool like Google Translate or DeepL.
• Weight limit: Ensure that your letter or postcard weighs no more than 100 grams, as this is the maximum weight allowed by prison regulations.
• Introduce yourself: Briefly explain who you are, where you work or study, and why you are writing to the prisoner.If you’re unsure how to start, think about how you’d talk to a stranger on a train (we’ve provided sample texts with translations further down the page).
• Share news: Feel free to write about nature, art, music, films, or any interesting facts you’ve come across.
• Words of support: The most important thing for prisoners is knowing that they are not forgotten. Letters from abroad can be a vital mental support.
• Postcard design: Choose neutral images like nature, flowers, animals, or city views. Avoid using Ukrainian symbols to prevent the card from being censored.
• Poems and quotes: Ensure they are neutral and written in Russian.

• Political topics: Avoid any political discussions or criticism of Russian authorities, Russian figures, Russian security services, or the Russian military.
• Offensive language: Refrain from using swear words, codes, unclear symbols, or any content that could be considered offensive..
• Calls for illegal actions: Do not encourage escape attempts or unlawful actions, even in jest.
• Questions about the legal process: Do not inquire about the trial or legal proceedings, as this could harm the prisoner.

1. Vladyslav Yesypenko (Владислав Єсипенко)

Vladyslav Yesypenko was a journalist who reported from occupied Crimea, including for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Taking high personal risks he covered repression and everyday life under Russian control. He was arrested on March 10, 2021, after filming a Shevchenko memorial event. He was sentenced to six years in prison on fabricated charges related to explosives—later reduced to five years on appeal. According to his own accounts, he was tortured in detention. His arrest is part of Russia’s broader crackdown on independent journalism in occupied territories.

2. Ivan Yatskin (Іван Яцкін)

Ivan Yatskin was a former law enforcement officer who refused to betray his oath during Russia’s occupation of Crimea and did not join the Russian police. 

He was accused of collecting information about collaborators and passing it to Ukrainian intelligence. While held in the FSB’s Lefortovo prison, he was tortured—kept barefoot in freezing temperatures.

 

3. Aziz Akhtemov (Азіз Ахтємов)

Aziz was a car mechanic and the brother of journalist Asan Akhtemov, who reported on the repression of Crimean Tatars. Both were abducted and tortured to fabricate a case against prominent Crimean Tatar activist Nariman Dzhelyal. They were accused of sabotaging a gas pipeline. The trial revealed numerous falsifications and even torture of several prosecution witnesses.

 

4. Rustem Gugurik (Рустем Гугурік)

Rustem Gugurik was a taxi driver. Together with his family, he fled his hometown of Novooleksiivka after it was occupied by Russian forces on the second day of the full-scale invasion. However, at the entrance to Crimea, he was arrested and accused of participating in the 2014 food blockade of Crimea. In prison, he faces constant pressure and denial of medical care. His health is deteriorating, particularly due to heart issues. A Crimean Tatar, Rustem was sentenced by the occupying authorities to 8.5 years in a high-security colony. He urgently needs medical care.

 

5. Remzi Bekirov (Ремзі Бекіров)

Remzi Bekirov was a citizen journalist who began documenting raids and repression against Crimean Muslims after independent media were silenced in Crimea. In 2019, he was violently arrested along with 24 others and accused of involvement in a “terrorist group.” In prison, he is punished for practicing his religion. He is held 4,500 km from home in Siberia, making family visits nearly impossible and endangering his health due to the harsh climate.

Sample Text 1

Дорогой(ая) [Имя],

хочу, чтобы ты знал/знала, что ты не один/одна. Несмотря на все трудности, через которые ты сейчас проходишь, помни, что твоя сила и стойкость вдохновляют многих. Мы все верим в тебя и поддерживаем тебя на расстоянии. Ты справишься со всем, что случилось, и выйдешь из этого сильнее. Мы думаем о тебе! Держись.

С уважением,

[Твое имя] из [название страны]

Translation:

Dear [Name],

I want you to know that you are not alone. Even though you are going through difficult times right now, remember that your strength and resilience inspire many. We all believe in you and support you from afar. You will overcome everything that has happened and come out stronger. We are thinking of you! Stay strong.

Best regards,

[Your Name] from [Country]

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Sample Text 2

Дорогой(ая) [Имя],

Я хочу, чтобы ты знал(а), что многие люди думают о тебе и поддерживают тебя в этот сложный момент. Несмотря на все трудности, твоя стойкость и мужество вдохновляют. Ты проходишь через испытания, но я уверен(а), что сможешь справиться и выйдешь из этого еще сильнее.

Как говорил Альбер Камю: “В самой темной ночи есть свет, который мы должны искать.» Пусть эта мысль будет для тебя поддержкой и надеждой на лучшее. Сил тебе и терпения. Мы все ждем твоего возвращения.

С уважением,

[Твое имя] из [название страны]

Translation:

Dear [Name],

I want you to know that many people are thinking of you and supporting you during this difficult time. Despite all the hardships, your resilience and courage inspire. You are going through trials, but I am sure you will manage and come out of this even stronger.

As Albert Camus said: “In the darkest night, there is a light that we must seek.” May this thought be a source of support and hope for a better future. Wishing you strength and patience. We are all waiting for your return.

Best regards,

[Your Name] from [Country]

If you’d like to organize a letter-writing event in your city, feel free to contact us. We will support you with instructions and materials. Write to us at: ukraine@libereco.org