The Odesa Court of Appeals released on bail four women who were illegally detained in a pretrial detention center in connection with the Dr. Maltsev case

The European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine welcomes with deep satisfaction the landmark decision of the Odesa Court of Appeal on November 5, 2025, to release on bail four women who were imprisoned in connection with the Dr. Maltsev case. This decision is a major milestone in the case of Ukrainian scientist Oleg Maltsev and demonstrates the triumph of justice over unfounded accusations.

Unwavering spirit and readiness to return to science

Let us recall the circumstances, which now seem even more grotesque in light of the release. On October 14, 2024, two specialists whose professional activities are related to scientific and research work were detained at a border crossing while attempting to leave Ukraine to continue their scientific activities in connection with the frequent attacks on Odesa.

Two more women were detained on October 11 and November 1, 2024.

After a year of illegal detention, Maryna Illiusha, director of the International Research Institute “International Fate Analysis Community,” Anna Filippova, an Italian translator who participated in many scientific expeditions led by Dr. Oleg Maltsev and translated numerous scientific works from Italian, making them accessible to the Ukrainian audience. The court also released freelance researcher Alena Klimanova and housekeeper Maryna Gebesht. 

According to information from lawyers, the released specialists are feeling well and are safe. The long-awaited meeting with their loved ones, which they had been waiting for a whole year, finally took place. 

According to the released women, the year spent in the detention center created not so much everyday difficulties as the unbearable impossibility of pursuing their professional activities. Their unyielding spirit and professional determination prove the strength of the scientific community and their loyalty to their chosen path.

Investigation methods: questions about personal life instead of evidence

Materials made public by lawyer Olga Panchenko in May 2025 reveal the true nature of this persecution. The questions asked by the SBU military counterintelligence officer concerned exclusively personal life, not the circumstances of the alleged crime. Psychological pressure and threats were used against the women, pressure was exerted to change lawyers, and insults and humiliation were used.

One of the specialists reported that during her detention, all questions concerned only her personal life and the personal life of Dr. Oleg Maltsev, including questions about romantic relationships. When she refused to answer such questions, she was called a “psychopath, schizophrenic, and brainwashed,” and threatened that she would “serve at least 10 years and come out without teeth and in poor health.” This obsession with the scientist's personal life, rather than gathering evidence of a crime, clearly demonstrates the true motives behind the persecution.

The next step is the release of Dr. Oleg Maltsev

International observers note that the release of four more people in the Dr. Maltsev case is essentially an acknowledgment of the absurdity of the charges and factual confirmation of the absence of any “particularly dangerous operational-combat group.” The court's decision finally destroys the far-fetched construction of the charges and paves the way for the full restoration of justice.

In the context of the persecution of Ukrainian scientist Oleg Maltsev, this victory takes on special significance. It proves the case to be completely unfounded and confirms that it was fabricated. If the court found it possible to release all members of the alleged group on bail, there is absolutely no reason to continue to hold its supposed “organizer” in custody, especially when it comes to a person in need of medical care.

The European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine enthusiastically welcomes this victory, but insists on the need to complete the restoration of justice. The release of four more people in this case logically and legally requires the immediate release on bail of Dr. Oleg Maltsev, a Ukrainian scientist with chronic illnesses who continues to be held in a pretrial detention center in conditions that pose a threat to his health and life.

Earlier, we reported on the release of German journalist Sergej Engelmann.