Photo: Center for Civil Liberties
In May 2023, Father Kostiantyn Maksimov was taken captive by Russian occupation forces from his home in the Zaporizhzhia area of Ukraine. In March 2024, it was announced that he was accused of reporting the location of Russian air defenses and consequently charged with espionage. Further details are available here.
On August 2nd, Father Kostiantyn was found guilty by the Russian-controlled court and sentenced to 14 years in a forced labour camp. This verdict was announced despite the fact that, according to international law, Russian legislation cannot be enforced in occupied territory.
The Orthodox priest's mother, Svetlana Maksimova, was in shock, since she had been hoping for a lesser sentence. "We will appeal against the sentence, though I don't think it will be changed," she stated. Svetlana hopes that her son will be included in a future prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine. In the meantime, it is expected that Father Kostiantyn will remain incarcerated in occupied Ukrainian territory until his appeal has been heard. If the hearing is unsuccessful, he will likely be transferred to a prison camp in Russia.
Pray for the success of Father Kostiantyn's appeal and that this imprisoned church leader will be released from custody. As he awaits the appeal hearing, may Father Kostiantyn receive divine strength, provision and protection. Please also pray for greatly needed comfort and peace on behalf of the detained Christian leader's concerned family members, friends and congregants during this time of uncertainty. Continue to pray for peace in this war-torn nation and for the Lord's protection over our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Christ – as well as the many other innocent people living in occupied regions of the country.
