Russian court sentences lawyer Dmitry Zakhvatov to 21 years
Wednesday, 1 July 2026, 10:26
Dmytro Zakhvatov
The verdict, issued June 30, stems from charges of supporting Ukrainian fighters and alleged terrorism, and signals tougher restrictions on aid and dissenters in Russia
As reported by the Telegram channel deptone
In Russia, the Second Western District Military Court convicted in absentia lawyer Dmytro Zahvatov to 21 years in a high-security penal colony for fundraising for fighters who are fighting on the side of Ukraine. The decision was handed down on June 30
According to investigators, Zahvatov was found guilty on several criminal charges, including aiding terrorist activities, public calls to actions against state security and calls for terrorism, as well as public justification and propaganda of terrorism
According to the verdict, four years of the imposed term are to be served in prison, and he is also prohibited from administering websites for four years, with 1.5 years of liberty restriction
As part of the same proceedings, former Moscow municipal deputy Maria Solenova was sentenced in absentia to 20 years in a general regime colony
According to investigators, Zahvatov and Solenova founded the Action 4 Life fund. They are charged with organizing fundraising to support the Azov Regiment, recognized in Russia as a terrorist organization, the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, and the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Additionally, Zahvatov is accused of publishing a video address in December 2023 in which he called helping the Ukrainian Armed Forces “the duty of every decent person.”
the duty of every decent person
Zahvatov was previously known as a defender of anti-war activists, Pussy Riot members, DOXA journalists, and former Channel One employee Marina Ovsyannikova, who became known for an anti-war action during the prime-time broadcast at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. After that, the lawyer left Russia. In September 2025, he was added to the foreign agents list
Context and Implications of the Case
The public case against Zahvatov and Solenova underscored the tensions in the Russian judiciary regarding support for measures benefiting Ukrainian armed formations and charitable funds from foreign
Rights activists note that in absentia verdicts can affect the work of other activists and lawyers who participate in fundraising for Ukrainian forces, which sharply divides society and tightens restrictions on the activity of opposition groups in the Russian Federation
The measures against Zahvatov and Solenova were adopted in the context of broader restrictions on funding and support for unaffiliated armed formations, as well as in connection with the practice of using “foreign agents” to pressure opponents and human rights defenders
In September 2025, Dmytro Zahvatov was included on the foreign agents list, highlighting changes in status and opportunities for inter<a href="https://absafricatv.com/top-trending-national-parks-around-the-world-2/” title=”Top trending national parks around the world”>national partnerships and legal services for human rights professionals
This event reflects the complexity and politicization of the Russian judiciary in similar cases, where charitable activity abroad is viewed as a threat to national security and the rule of law of the state
Useful reading:
- A video released on 29 May 2026 claims Taisia Povaliy was sentenced in absentia to 12 years imprisonment; authorities have not yet confirmed the decision or released details.
- Networking discussion at the Ukrainian House in Warsaw on May 30 features Karolina Kuzema on volunteering, fundraising, frontline humanitarian challenges and Polish‑Ukrainian cooperation. Registration required.
- A Russian military court sentenced a Sevastopol resident to five and a half years for publicly calling for strikes on Russian territory and annexed Crimea, including the Crimean Bridge.
