Kyrylo Moriev

27-year-old Kyrylo Moriev from Khrustalnyi was abducted by occupation forces, tortured, and sentenced to 19 years in prison on fabricated charges of “espionage.” He is currently held in a high-security penal colony in the Luhansk region. His health condition remains alarming.

Case facts:

Identity: Ukrainian civilian, illegally detained in the Luhansk region

Date of birth: November 29, 1997

Last known location: City of Khrustalnyi (Krasnyi Luch), Luhansk region

Abducted: August 18, 2022

Report:

Kyrylo Moriev was born and raised in the city of Khrustalnyi, Luhansk region. He worked as a taxi driver and was known for his openly pro-Ukrainian views. Kyrylo did not hesitate to criticize the Russian invasion and occupation — both online and in public. His honesty and courage to speak the truth made him a target for the occupying forces.

On August 18, 2022, Kyrylo was detained by representatives of the occupation authorities. His apartment was ransacked without cause, with excessive aggression and violence. The only “reason” for his arrest was his civic stance and open criticism of Russia.

Kyrylo’s parents immediately hired a lawyer, but he was only allowed to meet his client after one month. The lawyer, however, turned out to be biased — he expressed hostility toward Kyrylo’s pro-Ukrainian views and pressured him to sign false statements, promising that the torture would then stop.

Later, the Russian occupation authorities charged Kyrylo with alleged “espionage.” On January 26, 2023, a closed hearing was held at the so-called “Supreme Court of Luhansk.” The trial was purely a sham — no witnesses, no public hearing, no fair defense. Kyrylo Moriev was arbitrarily sentenced to 19 years in prison under strict conditions. He is currently being held in a penal colony in the city of Vakhrusheve, Luhansk region.

For several months after his arrest, Kyrylo’s family was denied all contact — no letters, no visits. Only in June 2024 was his wife finally allowed to see him, reporting his severely deteriorated health condition.

State of health:

During his first month in captivity, Kyrylo was brutally tortured. Wires were attached to his fingers, toes, and earlobes, through which electric current was passed. A plastic bag was placed over his head until he lost consciousness; he was beaten with hands, feet, and various objects, and threatened with the murder of his family.

Throughout his detention, Kyrylo lost 21 kilograms (from 104 kg to 83 kg). His teeth were severely damaged, and his scoliosis worsened. Prolonged physical and psychological abuse has had a devastating impact on his health.

As of November 2025, Kyrylo Moriev remains illegally deprived of liberty on occupied Ukrainian territory. His story is one of many examples of systematic human rights violations committed by Russian occupation authorities.