All assessments of the criminal prosecution of specific individuals, including the designation of detained persons as political prisoners, reflect the position of our Project. Such assessments are not based on the views and assessments of the individuals being prosecuted, their families, friends or lawyers, and do not imply their consent or approval. The information regarding the facts of specific criminal cases published on our Project’s website has been obtained from public sources and does not imply or require the consent of the individuals mentioned therein or their representatives.

Afonin Oleksandr Viktorovych

Date of birth: September 14, 1996 (29 years old)
citizenship: Украина
Occupation: военная служба
Article of the Criminal Code:  205.3 ; 205.4 ч. 2
Form of repression:  pre-trial detention
Pursuit stage:  verdict delivered – appeal pending
Sentence:  назначенное наказание неизвестно
Date of sentencing:  May 6, 2026
Current location:  Remand Prison No. 1, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR)
Lists of persecuted:  General list

Oleksandr Afonin is a citizen of Ukraine, a junior sergeant, and a serviceman of the 12th Azov Special Purpose Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine. He was reportedly taken prisoner in Mariupol on 17 May 2022.

On 19 February 2026, Afonin’s case was referred to the Southern District Military Court. On 6 May 2026, Judge Ilya Bezgub found Afonin guilty under the articles on undergoing training for the purpose of carrying out terrorist activity and participation in a terrorist community and sentenced him to a term of imprisonment that has not been disclosed.

The defence appealed the verdict.