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. 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 arbitrarily 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 currently 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.

To participate:

• Get a postcard and write a message on it
• Add the right value of stamps to the postcard. Postage to Russia is CHF 1.90 up to 20 grams and CHF 3.10 up to 50 grams [https://www.post.ch/en/sending-letters/documents-to-be-sent-abroad/international-documents]
• Put the postcard in an envelope and send it to our office in Zurich:

LIBERECO – Partnership for Human Rights
Reference: Ukrainian prisoners
Hohlstrasse 176
8004 Zürich / Switzerland

Feel free to write a letter, if you prefer. If you don’t have easy access to Swiss stamps, make a donation and we’ll stamp it for you.

• 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: 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.
• If you wish, you can include your return address and enclose a blank sheet of paper. You may receive a reply.

• Political topics: Avoid any political discussions or criticism of Russian authorities, Russian figures, Russian security services, or the Russian military.
• 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. Hanna Murdid

Hanna Murdid was detained by Russian security forces in occupied Melitopol in spring 2023, one day after her son Artem disappeared. She was severely beaten in detention, aggravating a previous arm injury, and has now almost completely lost the use of her arm. Russia sentenced her to 22 years in prison.

2. Hanna Voshkoder

Hanna Voshkoder, Artem Murdid’s partner, was detained together with Artem’s mother in spring 2023. In detention, she was threatened that her daughter Diana would be taken away, placed with another family and given a different last name. She has not seen her daughter for more than three years. Russia sentenced her to 20 years in prison.

3. Artem Murdid

Artem Murdid disappeared in Russian-occupied Melitopol in spring 2023. Russia accused him, his mother and his partner of creating a “terrorist cell”. All three said in court that they had been tortured and forced to confess. Artem was sentenced to life imprisonment and has spent more than two years without access to fresh air.

4. Yana Suvorova

Yana Suvorova was a student in occupied Melitopol. Through a Telegram channel, she helped local people find doctors, transport and humanitarian aid. Russian authorities accused her of “terrorism” and “espionage” and sentenced her to 14 years in prison. Today, letters are practically her only connection to the outside world.

5. Danylo Yefimov

Danylo Yefimov lived under Russian occupation and dreamed of studying at a university in Kyiv. During the occupation, he taught himself Ukrainian. Russia sentenced him to 12 years in a maximum-security prison colony for making donations in support of Ukraine. In captivity, Danylo continues to write poetry in Ukrainian.

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. Эти трудные времена пройдут, и впереди откроется новый светлый путь. 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. These tough times will pass, and a new, bright path will open ahead of you. You will overcome everything that has happened and come out stronger. We are thinking of you! Stay strong.

Best regards,

[Your Name] from [Country]

---

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