Andrey Ermolenkov
Andrey Ermolenkov, born 2002, Kursk Oblast. Charges: Article 275 applied with Article 30 part 1, Russian Criminal Code (Preparation for treason against the state (preparation for a crime)); Article 322 part 1 applied with Article 30 part 3, Russian Criminal Code (Attempted crossing of the border of the Russian Federation without proper documents); “Andrei Yermolenkov's case of intent to fight on the side of Ukraine”. Sentence (January 11, 2024): 6 years' imprisonment in a strict regime colony. Status: imprisoned; deprived of liberty since May 1, 2023. Recognition: Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners — recognised as a political prisoner, December 29, 2025.
In brief
Kursk Oblast · Kursk
Sentence
6 years
imprisonment in a strict regime colony
No information about an appeal ruling.
Charges
- Article 275 applied with Article 30 part 1, Russian Criminal Code — Preparation for treason against the state (preparation for a crime)
- Article 322 part 1 applied with Article 30 part 3, Russian Criminal Code — Attempted crossing of the border of the Russian Federation without proper documents.
Full wording of the charges
According to the investigation, in February 2022, decided to go to Ukraine to participate in military operations on the Ukrainian side, began to learn the Ukrainian language and sent his data to join one of the military associations, after which he tried to cross the border.
Latest event
December 29, 2025 — recognised as a political prisoner
Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners
Recognition by rights defenders
- Recognised as a political prisoner — Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners, December 29, 2025
Timeline
· Recognised as a political prisoner
Memorial: Support for Political Prisoners
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 6 years
· Persecution begins
Andrei Yermolenkov's case of intent to fight on the side of Ukraine
· Preventive measure: pre-trial detention
Criminal case
Andrei Yermolenkov's case of intent to fight on the side of Ukraine
- Case number
- 2-1/2024 (2-14/2023;)
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The address is not listed in the database.
Details and sources
Full summary
A resident of Zheleznogorsk (Kursk region) was detained no later than May 2023 while attempting to cross the border into Ukraine. He was taken into custody on charges of preparing for high treason and attempting an illegal border crossing. On 18 May, a video was released in which Yermolenkov recited a clearly memorized statement: "Immediately after the start of the Special Military Operation, I expressed a desire to help the Ukrainians. I learned about the 'Freedom of Russia' legion, what it is and what it does. I found out that the legion is part of the Ukrainian armed forces. I bought patches with the legion's flag on AliExpress. I received instructions on where and how it would be most convenient for me to cross the border."
In January 2024, Yermolenkov was sentenced to six years in a high-security colony.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
Other people prosecuted under Article 275 applied with Article 30 part 1, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.