Writing letters to prison: How to support Ukrainians in Russian captivity

Since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has intensified its repression of Ukrainian citizens in the occupied territories. However, politically motivated persecution began much earlier — following the annexation of Crimea and the war in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

Russia has initiated criminal proceedings against Ukrainian citizens for their journalistic or human rights work, as well as for their religious affiliation. Participation in protests against the war and public criticism of the Russian occupation regime have also led to arrests and political persecution. In addition, Ukrainian civilians are frequently arbitrarily accused of sabotage, terrorism, extremism, or espionage.

Through these politically motivated prosecutions, Russia seeks to exert pressure on the Ukrainian government and force it into making concessions. According to the Ukrainian ombudsman for Human Rights, more than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians are currently unlawfully held as detainees across Russia and occupied territories.

Your words can bring hope and strength to Ukrainian prisoners held in Russian captivity. A letter or postcard is more than support and solidarity. When sent in large numbers, they become a powerful tool for drawing international attention.

• Show solidarity: Remind prisoners that they are not forgotten.
• Bring hope: Even the darkest days in prison can be brightened by a letter.
• Offer protection: Prisoners are less likely to face mistreatment when the world is watching.
• Make an impact: A small gesture from you can have a lasting effect on someone’s life.

We are not allowed to publish the addresses of prisoners. This is due to a law passed by Russia in 2023, which claims to protect personal data. Publishing these addresses would put the lawyers and families of political prisoners at risk. Therefore, we will regularly feature different prisoners on this page to whom you can send your letters or postcards.

To participate:

• Get a postcard and write a message on it
• Add the right value of stamps to the postcard. Postage to Russia is CHF 1.90 up to 20 grams and CHF 3.10 up to 50 grams [https://www.post.ch/en/sending-letters/documents-to-be-sent-abroad/international-documents]
• Put the postcard in an envelope and send it to our office in Zurich:

LIBERECO – Partnership for Human Rights
Reference: Ukrainian prisoners
Hohlstrasse 176
8004 Zürich / Switzerland

Feel free to write a letter, if you prefer. If you don’t have easy access to Swiss stamps, make a donation and we’ll stamp it for you.

• Language: Letters should be written exclusively in Russian. Letters in Ukrainian (or any other language) are often not delivered due to censorship. If you do not speak Russian, you can write a letter in your native language on your computer. You can have the letter translated by an automated translation tool like Google Translate or DeepL.
• Weight: Ensure that your letter or postcard weighs no more than 100 grams, as this is the maximum weight allowed by prison regulations.
• Introduce yourself: Briefly explain who you are, where you work or study, and why you are writing to the prisoner. If you’re unsure how to start, think about how you’d talk to a stranger on a train (we’ve provided sample texts with translations further down the page).
• Share news: Feel free to write about nature, art, music, films, or any interesting facts you’ve come across.
• Words of support: The most important thing for prisoners is knowing that they are not forgotten. Letters from abroad can be a vital mental support.
• Postcard design: Choose neutral images like nature, flowers, animals, or city views. Avoid using Ukrainian symbols to prevent the card from being censored.
• Poems and quotes: Ensure they are neutral and written in Russian.
• If you wish, you can include your return address and enclose a blank sheet of paper. You may receive a reply.

• Political topics: Avoid any political discussions or criticism of Russian authorities, Russian figures, Russian security services, or the Russian military.
• Language: Refrain from using swear words, codes, unclear symbols, or any content that could be considered offensive..
• Calls for illegal actions: Do not encourage escape attempts or unlawful actions, even in jest.
• Questions about the legal process: Do not inquire about the trial or legal proceedings, as this could harm the prisoner.

1. Asan Akhtemov (Асан Ахтемов)

Asan was a journalist who reported on the repression against Crimean Tatars. He was abducted and tortured to force him into making a false confession against the well-known Crimean Tatar activist Nariman Jelal. He was falsely accused of being involved in a pipeline attack, which was part of an attempt to silence critics of Russia’s occupation of Crimea.

2. Iryna Danylovych (Ирина Данилович)

Iryna Danylovych is a nurse and human rights activist who advocates for political prisoners. She participated in trials of political prisoners herself before being abducted and tortured to fabricate a case against her for allegedly possessing explosives. Her case highlights the ongoing oppression of those fighting for justice and human rights.

3. Halyna Dovhopola (Галина Довгопола)

Halyna Dovhopola, a pensioner from Crimea, was outspoken about her pro-Ukrainian beliefs. She was sentenced for espionage on behalf of Ukraine. Her trial was held behind closed doors, reflecting the harsh and oppressive reality in Russian-occupied Crimea, where any form of opposition is severely punished.

4. Bohdan Ziza (Богдан Зиза)

At the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, artist Bohdan Ziza took a bold stand by painting the entrance of the city administration building in Yevpatoria in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, blue and yellow. Later, he set fire to the building as a protest against the occupation. Ziza’s actions reflect the resistance within Crimea, where people challenge the Russian regime through acts of creative defiance.

5. Diliaver  Hafarov (Длявер Гафаров)

Diliaver Hafarov, a hairdresser and former employee of the Crimean Tatar TV channel ATR, was accused of being a member of a paramilitary group after the channel’s owner formed a volunteer battalion. He was accused of having ties to this group, which was active in resistance against Russia’s occupation. Hafarov’s case demonstrates the ongoing persecution of Crimean Tatars and their supporters under Russian control of Crimea.

Sample Text 1

Дорогой(ая) [Имя],

хочу, чтобы ты знал/знала, что ты не один/одна. Несмотря на все трудности, через которые ты сейчас проходишь, помни, что твоя сила и стойкость вдохновляют многих. Мы все верим в тебя и поддерживаем тебя на расстоянии. Эти трудные времена пройдут, и впереди откроется новый светлый путь. Ты справишься со всем, что случилось, и выйдешь из этого сильнее. Мы думаем о тебе! Держись.

С уважением,

[Твое имя] из [название страны]

Translation:

Dear [Name],

I want you to know that you are not alone. Even though you are going through difficult times right now, remember that your strength and resilience inspire many. We all believe in you and support you from afar. These tough times will pass, and a new, bright path will open ahead of you. You will overcome everything that has happened and come out stronger. We are thinking of you! Stay strong.

Best regards,

[Your Name] from [Country]

---

Sample Text 2

Дорогой(ая) [Имя],

Я хочу, чтобы ты знал(а), что многие люди думают о тебе и поддерживают тебя в этот сложный момент. Несмотря на все трудности, твоя стойкость и мужество вдохновляют. Ты проходишь через испытания, но я уверен(а), что сможешь справиться и выйдешь из этого еще сильнее.

Как говорил Альбер Камю: “В самой темной ночи есть свет, который мы должны искать.» Пусть эта мысль будет для тебя поддержкой и надеждой на лучшее. Сил тебе и терпения. Мы все ждем твоего возвращения.

С уважением,

[Твое имя] из [название страны]

Translation:

Dear [Name],

I want you to know that many people are thinking of you and supporting you during this difficult time. Despite all the hardships, your resilience and courage inspire. You are going through trials, but I am sure you will manage and come out of this even stronger.

As Albert Camus said: “In the darkest night, there is a light that we must seek.” May this thought be a source of support and hope for a better future. Wishing you strength and patience. We are all waiting for your return.

Best regards,

[Your Name] from [Country]

If you’d like to organize a letter-writing event in your city, feel free to contact us. We will support you with instructions and materials. Write to us at: ukraine@libereco.org