Ukrainian Political Prisoner Viktor Dotsenko Dies in Russian Penal Colony, Heart Failure Cited

Death of Viktor Dotsenko

According to Главком: Ukrainian political prisoner Viktor Dotsenko, 56, has died in Penal Colony No. 1 in Russia's Republic of Adygea. His death occurred on February 19 at 4:00 PM following a decline in his health after a heart attack he suffered on February 12. The official cause of death is cardiac arrest.

Dotsenko was sentenced in July 2024 to three years in a penal settlement. He was convicted on charges of inciting terrorism and participating in a terrorist organization, which stemmed from posting leaflets with an anti-Putin slogan. The leaflets, bearing the phrase 'Putinyaku na gilyaku' ('Putin on a gallows'), were displayed in a 'Lenta' store in Saint Petersburg. Dotsenko, like his wife, artist Anastasia Dyudyayeva, who also received a three-year sentence, denied authoring the leaflets.

Conditions for Ukrainian Military Personnel in Russian Captivity

As of May 2025, at least 206 Ukrainian servicemen have died in Russian captivity since the full-scale invasion began. Former prisoners describe severe conditions in Russian penal colonies, including:

• being forced to stand for hours on end;
• systematic beatings;
• denial of medical care;
• horrific conditions in Mordovia's Penal Colony No. 10, where months-long torture, electric shocks, dog attacks, and inhumane food were reported.

Among the deceased is marine Mykola Andreiyuk, who spent 19 months in captivity and died in November 2023.

Dotsenko's death highlights persistent human rights concerns within Russian penal institutions, particularly regarding political prisoners. His case-convicted for anti-Putin activity and dying under questionable circumstances-raises serious doubts about the treatment of Ukrainian citizens held in Russia. Furthermore, the deaths of Ukrainian soldiers in captivity point to severe violations of international norms governing prisoners of war. These incidents underscore a pattern that demands thorough investigation and a robust international response. The broader context of Russia's war against Ukraine has seen numerous allegations of systemic abuse in detention facilities.