'DNR' Member Detained in France on Charges of Crimes Against Humanity

Yevgeniy Brazhnikov, born in Donetsk and detained in France, is accused of torturing prisoners in the 'Isolation' prison in Ukraine. War crimes in Europe...

Scraper SystemMay 26, 2026, 01:46 AM

In France, Yevgeniy Brazhnikov, born in Donetsk and a pro-Russian separatist, was detained. According to the Ukrainian National Anti-Terror Prosecutor's Office, Brazhnikov, born in 1979, has been living in France since 2021. He is charged with crimes against humanity, including torturing detainees in the 'Isolation' prison in Donetsk under Russian control. The 'Isolation' prison was used as a secret prison in a former art fund building seized by pro-Russian Donetsk People's Republic forces in 2014. It is reported that detainees held here, mostly pro-Ukrainian prisoners, were tortured and forced to confess. According to statements by Ukrainian Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, former detainees stated that Brazhnikov played an active role in the torture at the prison, applied psychological pressure, and insulted prisoners. Stanislav Aseev, a writer and former detainee, also confirmed Brazhnikov's detention in France. Brazhnikov denies the charges and claims he was also detained in 'Isolation.' Ukrainian authorities, in cooperation with French police, took statements from victims during the investigation and forwarded the case to France. It is noted that Brazhnikov participated in pro-Russian movements in Donetsk in 2014 and later became the security chief of a factory in Donetsk. Brazhnikov was detained by Donetsk People's Republic security forces in 2016 and released in 2019 in a swap with Ukraine. However, former detainees accused Brazhnikov of participating in torture at the prison. While the case against him continues in Ukraine, Brazhnikov went to France in 2021 and applied for asylum. The trial process in France involves allegations of crimes against humanity and torture. This development is considered an important precedent for war crimes trials in Europe.

'DNR' Member Detained in France on Charges of Crimes Against Humanity

Yevgeniy Brazhnikov, born in Donetsk and detained in France, is accused of torturing prisoners in the 'Isolation' prison in Ukraine. War crimes in Europe...