Today, May 17, as Ukraine celebrates Science Day, a day honoring scholars whose tireless work significantly advances our collective understanding, the European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has submitted an appeal to the Office of the President of Ukraine. The appeal, addressed personally to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, concerns the internationally scrutinized and controversial detention of the Ukrainian scientist, Dr. Oleg Maltsev.

Dr. Maltsev, whose groundbreaking work in humanities and social sciences has notably elevated Ukraine's academic prestige worldwide, has been held in pre-trial detention in Odessa for over half a year without legal recourse to bail. This situation has elicited a response not only from members of the scientific community but also from citizens across multiple countries. Representatives from Ukraine, Israel, Georgia, the United Kingdom, Norway, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Turkey, the United States, and France joined forces to appeal to the President of Ukraine.

The appeal's signatories stress that Dr. Maltsev's prolonged detention is not only a violation of constitutional rights but also a serious threat to his life, given his critical health condition. 

Below is the full text of the appeal officially submitted today:

Dear Mr. President, 

We appeal to you as the guarantor of the Constitution observance in Ukraine, entrusted with safeguarding every individual’s inherent right to life. 

We, scientists and scholars from Europe, the United States and other countries, together with engaged citizens, are gravely concerned that Dr. Oleg Maltsev, a well-known, respected Ukrainian scholar of Jewish heritage, has been detained for over six months in the Odessa pre-trial detention center without the legal right to apply for bail. 

Over the past ten years, Dr. Maltsev has made a significant contribution to the recognition of Ukrainian science around the globe and Ukraine itself, particularly in the USA and Europe. He founded the European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, which brings together more than 200 scientists from different countries, and through its powerful initiatives has significantly raised the profile of Ukrainian science on the international stage. A true patriot of Ukraine, he has supported Ukrainian scientists and scholars during these difficult times and ensured the continued work of the European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, earning profound respect worldwide for the resilience and determination of Ukrainian scientists. 

On March 28, 2025, at the 58th session of the United Nations, the French human rights organization Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP/Liberté de Conscience) and the Belgian human rights organization Human Rights Without Frontiers stated that the criminal case against Oleg Maltsev is fabricated. In addition to Maltsev, five of his fellow researchers and a German journalist are also in custody. These individuals are being pressured to provide false testimony against Dr. Oleg Maltsev in exchange for their freedom. Dr Maltsev's prosecution has also been accompanied by an unprecedented campaign of online defamation through a variety of Internet sources. 

The case against Oleg Maltsev is currently being reviewed by the Primorsky District Court of Odesa. We hope and believe that the court will make a decision that is lawful, unbiased, and well-founded. 

However, Dr. Maltsev suffers from several serious chronic illnesses and his continued detention is essentially a death sentence. His death in a Ukrainian prison would deprive him of the opportunity to defend himself and clear his name, and would also severely damage Ukraine's international reputation. 

We ask you to pay attention to this situation within your powers as the guarantor of the Constitution. 

This appeal, in both English and Ukrainian, is being submitted through Oleg Maltsev's advocates. Our contact information is also provided in the appeal, and we are available to answer any questions. 

The appeal sent on Science Day is more than symbolic; it is a collective voice from across borders, affirming that the values of justice, transparency, and human dignity must remain foundational, even in times of national hardship.

The signatories urge the President of Ukraine to exercise the constitutional responsibilities vested in his office to ensure that due process is upheld, that no life is placed in jeopardy through procedural neglect, and that the global scientific community’s concerns are acknowledged with the seriousness they warrant. The fate of a distinguished scientist now lies in the hands of the Ukrainian state, and with it, the confidence of the international community in Ukraine’s commitment to the rule of law.

The Academy remains open to dialogue. In the spirit of cooperation, justice, and scholarly integrity, we call upon all responsible authorities to act with urgency, fairness, and transparency.

May 17, 2025