Yesipenko Vladyslav Leonidovich, born March 13, 1969 in Kryvyi Rih Ukraine. He lived there before his arrest. He is married and has a young child. Before his arrest, he worked as a freelance journalist for Radio Liberty (Krym.Realii project). He is a citizen of Ukraine. He also has a Russian passport as a result of the forced passportisation of residents of Crimea, since he lived with his family in Crimea from 2013 to 2015.
On February 16, 2022, he was sentenced to 5 years in a general regime penal colony and a fine of 110,000 roubles (~€1200) under Part 1 of Article 222.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, shipment or carrying of explosive substances or explosive devices") and under Part 1 of Article 223.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Illegal manufacture of explosives, as well as illegal manufacture, alteration or repair of explosive devices").
Was in custody since March 10, 2021, and was released on June 20, 2025.
