Angel Nikolaev

Angel Nikolaev is an anti-war activist from Khabarovsk. He was detained last summer for his participation in anti-war actions. Nikolaev was accused of setting fire to a military enlistment office, painting crossed-out “Z” symbols on vehicles displaying pro-war symbols, destroying a banner featuring a military insignia and the letter “Z,” and “desecrating” the Russian flag and burial sites. Nikolaev allegedly painted crossed-out “Z” symbols on Russian flags placed near the graves of soldiers who participated in the invasion of Ukraine.

Nikolaev was detained in the summer of 2023 for conducting anti-war protests. He was found guilty of setting fire to a military recruitment office, painting crossed-out “Z” symbols on vehicles with pro-war markings, destroying a banner featuring an army insignia and the letter “Z,” and “desecrating” the Russian flag and graves of participants in the invasion of Ukraine. The activist reportedly painted crossed-out “Z” symbols on flags placed near graves.

On May 3 of 2024, the First Eastern District Military Court in Khabarovsk sentenced Nikolaev to 15 years of imprisonment, the first four of which were to be served in prison, with the remainder in a high-security penal colony. He was convicted under the following articles:

• “Terrorist Act” (Part 1, Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code);
• “Hooliganism” (Clause “b,” Part 1, Article 213 of the Russian Criminal Code);
• “Vandalism” (Part 2, Article 214 of the Russian Criminal Code);
• “Desecration of burial sites” (Clause “b,” Part 2, Article 244 of the Russian Criminal Code, two counts);
• “Desecration of the Russian flag” (Article 329 of the Russian Criminal Code, two counts).

On September 11, the Appellate Military Court in Vlasikha reduced Nikolaev’s sentence by two months. After reviewing the defense’s appeals and the case materials, the court revised the wording of the charge related to the arson of the military recruitment office. While the appellate court upheld the “terrorist act” charge (Part 1, Article 205), it excluded the claim that the arson caused “other dangerous consequences.” Nikolaev is currently held in the high-security Yenisei prison.

On December 9, 2024, Nikolaev turned 40, marking his second birthday in detention. Before his arrest, he worked as a chef and was passionate about activities like tennis (both table and lawn), snowboarding, skating, and rollerblading. Nikolaev was actively involved in civic life, serving as an election observer, a member of an election commission, and a juror. He is a recognized honorary blood donor of Russia, a creative individual who wrote poetry.

Angel welcomes letters and enjoys responding to them. In one correspondence, he shared insights about his life before and after his arrest:

“I can say the following about myself: before the so-called ‘Special Military Operation’ began, I led an active lifestyle. I didn’t drink or smoke (except for vaping). For several years, I attended a fitness club, snowboarded, skated, rollerbladed, cycled, and even mastered paddleboarding. I enjoyed playing table tennis and lawn tennis. I participated in paintball games with the Sparta club.
[Now] my mood reflects my current environment. I’ve completely stopped reading books and writing poetry, but I maintain my physical exercises because it’s essential to keep the body in shape—that’s all I have left.
I love cooking, but in the current conditions, I’m losing my talent for creating culinary masterpieces. I particularly enjoy Japanese cuisine—rolls, onigiri, sushi, tom yam, etc.
I dream of traveling across Russia by car and visiting the landmarks of every city. If fate is kind to me, I’ll definitely make it happen.
If we want to achieve something, we must unite, find compromises, and live in harmony with nature and ourselves. I’m often reminded of figures I deeply respect who have spoken about this repeatedly—Mahatma Gandhi, John Lennon, Martin Luther King, and John F. Kennedy. Their tragic fates serve as a stark example of how our society struggles to grasp the concepts of kindness and compassion toward one another.
I send greetings to everyone who supports me and remind you that good will undoubtedly triumph. Angel.”