Nikolai Trofimov
Nikolai Trofimov, Saint Petersburg. Charges: Article 214 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Vandalism committed by a group of people, or motivated by hatred or animosity); Article 329, Russian Criminal Code (Desecration of the state symbols of the Russian Federation); Article 354.1 part 3, Russian Criminal Code (Insulting the memory, symbols, and veterans of the Great Patriotic War); “Nikolay Trofimov’s case of desecration of flags and a banner”. Sentenced on November 18, 2025. Status: at large.
In brief
Saint Petersburg · Saint Petersburg · Anti-war cases
Sentence
Restriction of liberty, Fine
First instance, September 30, 2025: a fine of 700 000 roubles with 2 years 6 months'deprivation of liberty
Charges
- Article 214 part 2, Russian Criminal Code — Vandalism committed by a group of people, or motivated by hatred or animosity
- Article 329, Russian Criminal Code — Desecration of the state symbols of the Russian Federation.
- Article 354.1 part 3, Russian Criminal Code — Insulting the memory, symbols, and veterans of the Great Patriotic War
Full wording of the charges
According to the investigation, on 4 May 2024, on Korolev Avenue, Trofimov made marks with black paint on the canvas of the Victory Banner, which is a symbol of Russia’s military glory. Later, Trofimov was also charged with defacing a pro-war banner and pouring paint on the Russian flag in May 2023.
Latest event
November 18, 2025 — appeal
The court changed the sentence.
Timeline
· Appeal ruling
sentence changed
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict
· Preventive measure: ban on certain activities
· Preventive measure: house arrest
· Preventive measure: pre-trial detention
· Persecution begins
Nikolay Trofimov’s case of desecration of flags and a banner
· Preventive measure: placement in a temporary detention facility
Criminal case
Nikolay Trofimov’s case of desecration of flags and a banner
- Case number
- 2-34/2025
Thematic group: Anti-war case
Details and sources
Full summary
A resident of St. Petersburg. On 11 May 2024, he was detained and then taken into custody in the case of desecration of the symbol of military glory that was initiated due to black marks found on the Victory Banner on Korolev Avenue in St. Petersburg. Later Trofimov said that he was beaten on the head, kicked, lifted up and thrown on the floor, had a gas mask put on him, and was clamped so that it was difficult for him to breathe. On 6 June, Trofimov was transferred to house arrest. Later he was also accused of desecration of the Russian flag and vandalism. On 16 July 2024, a preventive measure in the form of a ban on certain actions was elected for Trofimov.
On 30 September 2025, the court sentenced him to two and a half years' of restriction of liberty and a fine of 700 thousand rubles.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
- Preventive measures
- ban on certain activities
Other people prosecuted under Article 214 part 2, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.