«Either you send us 5000 euros, or we will send you the video of your son's execution»: The story of a captured student from Mariupol

In the new episode of the program «Free our relatives» we share the harrowing tale of Oleksiy Novikov, an 18-year-old political science student from Mariupol who was captured during the defense of the city by Russian occupiers. Oleksiy’s mother, Olha Novikova, recounts her son’s fate and the difficult decisions she had to make.

Following the full-scale Russian invasion, Oleksiy, who turned 18 on January 26, 2022, chose to join the defense of his city against the Russian occupiers.

«Oleksiy knew about the Territorial Defense Forces even before the full-scale invasion. Since there was no military training available at school or university, he was eager to study military affairs, even if it meant in the TDF», — says Olha.

Contact with Oleksiy was lost on March 2.

According to his mother, on March 15, the Russians allowed townspeople to evacuate, presenting Olga with an opportunity to leave safely. However, she hesitated, waiting for her son’s return.

«I couldn’t decide to leave at the time because I was waiting for him to come home. However, colleagues convinced me that I couldn’t save myself, and I couldn’t help him. I had to leave».

When Olha received her son’s last message, he described the dire situation and his anticipation of help.

«They were all waiting for help to come and save them. That was the last time we talked».

In April, while defending his city, Oleksiy was taken prisoner. The captors contacted Olha and demanded 5000 euros under the threat of killing him.

«I collected funds from friends worldwide, a ransom for my son’s life. They warned me that if I didn’t send the money, they would send me a video of his execution».

After a criminal case was initiated in Ukraine, the investigation faced challenges due to the case’s transfer between regions and the extensive lists of servicemen missing in action.

«A criminal case has been opened in Ukraine. The investigation is ongoing. However, there’s no clear information, especially as the case transferred from one district to another, from one region to another», — says Olha.

Facing a desperate situation, Olha sought assistance from human rights defenders in Ukraine and Russia, reaching out to various organizations, including the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, the «DPR», and the Ministry of Defense. While she received confirmation that Oleksiy was in captivity, his exact location remained unknown.

«In all places, including the military unit, he’s allegedly been in captivity since February 2023. Until that date, he’s listed as a missing person».

Despite the challenges, Olga Novikova persists in her hope for her son’s return, actively participating in initiatives to locate prisoners of war. The arduous struggle for the truth and Oleksiy’s fate continues, with his mother maintaining faith in their eventual reunion.

«I believe that God knows best how and when to release him. I’m not overly worried; of course, it hurts, and I sometimes cry. But I’m certain he is alive».

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In times of war, the program «Free our relatives» tells the stories of people, cities, villages, and entire regions that have been captured by Russian invaders. We discuss the war crimes committed by the Kremlin and its troops against the Ukrainian people.

The program is hosted by Ihor Kotelianets and Anastasia Bagalika.