Denis Vasiliev
Denis Vasiliev, born 1999, Murmansk Oblast. Charges: Article 332 part 2.1, Russian Criminal Code (Failure to obey orders during combat operations); “Denis Vasiliev's case of failure to execute an order”. Sentence (October 1, 2023): 2 years' imprisonment in a settlement-type penal colony. Status: at large.
In brief
Murmansk Oblast · Pechenga settlement · Military personnel · Anti-war cases
Sentence
2 years
imprisonment in a settlement-type penal colony
Upheld November 22, 2023
Charges
- Article 332 part 2.1, Russian Criminal Code — Failure to obey orders during combat operations
Full wording of the charges
The case was initiated because of his refusal to go to the combat zone “due to personal convictions.” Prior to this, Vasiliev had submitted a resignation request but did not have time to leave because of the announcement of mobilisation. He agreed to transfer to Franz Josef Land at the suggestion of the Northern Fleet’s medical service, but then his military unit received orders to go to Ukraine.
Latest event
January 1, 2025 — persecution ends
Timeline
· Persecution ends
· Appeal ruling
upheld
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 2 years
· Persecution begins
Denis Vasiliev's case of failure to execute an order
Criminal case
Denis Vasiliev's case of failure to execute an order
Thematic group: Anti-war case
Details and sources
Full summary
In 2021, he received the Ministry of Defence medal “For Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic.” As a cadet, he assisted in treating military personnel infected with coronavirus, including working in the red zone. A criminal case was opened against him for failure to comply with an order during wartime. According to human rights defender Pavel Chikov, the reason was his refusal to go to the combat zone “for personal convictions.”
Prior to this, Vasilyev had submitted a request for dismissal, but was unable to leave the service due to the announcement of mobilisation. He agreed to be transferred to Franz Josef Land at the suggestion of the Northern Fleet’s medical service, but subsequently his military unit received an order to deploy to Ukraine. Vasilyev pleaded guilty. He later stated that his refusal to go to war was specifically connected to his expectation of being transferred to another military unit.
On 3 October 2023, he was sentenced to two years in a settlement colony. He was reportedly released at the end of 2025.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
Other people prosecuted under Article 332 part 2.1, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.