PRESS RELEASE. The Maltsev Case: Protect the Future of Ukrainian Science!
The European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine appeals to the global scientific community and human rights organizations for support and monitoring in the Maltsev Case. This case will be an important precedent—not only for the future of one scientist but also for the future of science in Ukraine. We urge you to review this press release, as the future of science worldwide depends on our actions now.
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On September 12, 2024, Dr. Oleg Maltsev was arrested in Odesa as part of an investigation led by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) under the procedural control of the regional prosecutor’s office, despite a lack of evidence. Dr. Maltsev is now facing serious charges, accused of creating illegal paramilitary formations. A wave of anger erupted across the scientific community in Ukraine and worldwide following the arrest, with many believing the charges are politically motivated.
Oleg Maltsev is a scholar with doctoral degrees in both philosophy and psychology. He is a presidium member at the European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (EUASU) and the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences. He is also the founder and director of the Memory Institute, an organization dedicated to the study of human memory and consciousness. As the head of the Expedition Corps, a dedicated research team at the institute, he has visited more than 40 countries to study sociology, history, and cultural phenomena.
Let us highlight just a few of Maltsev's significant achievements in science
Over the past 10 years, he has actively promoted science in Ukraine and Ukrainian research abroad:
– Maltsev has reestablished five permanent scientific communities;
– He authored over 100 popular science and scientific books and monographs most of which are freely accessible;
– He represented Ukraine on the global stage by writing scientific papers (list of academic works not including popular science), speaking at international conferences and organizing Ukrainian events attended by leading scientists from six continents.
Even after the war began in Ukraine in 2022, Maltsev, as a patriot, did not leave the country like most people did. On the contrary, he engaged in significant scientific work, and we would like to highlight just three key points:
– Maltsev has authored eight books, including studies on the psyche, consciousness, and Olympic shooting sports Skeet.
– He played a crucial role in organizing and participating in two conferences addressing the war in Ukraine: 'Unknown Wars' and 'Local and Global Impacts of the War in Ukraine.'
– In collaboration with renowned terrorism expert and Professor of Criminal Justice Harvey Kushner, he organized two special issues for the esteemed American journal American Behavioral Scientist: 'War in Ukraine' and 'Terrorism through a different lense,' in which Ukrainian scientists were published for the first time. He also played a key role in organizing and participating in other projects aimed at promoting Ukrainian science globally.
How Your Achievements Turn Against You
Maltsev, along with his assistant, was detained on September 12 and is accused of espionage and conspiracy in favor of Russia, despite a lack of evidence. At the same time, his research and projects, which were intended to benefit Ukraine, have now been turned against him.
For example, the training that Maltsev conducted at shooting ranges is now being misrepresented as military training for rebellion. One possible factor could be that some people, not fully acquainted with academic research, interpret it as best they can within their own frame of reference. In reality, his activities at the shooting ranges were thoroughly documented and were part of his research into sport shooting, conducted in collaboration with world-class coaches and Olympic champions. This research has resulted in the publication of four scientific books that are freely available!
Official SBU press releases allege that underground detachments have been formed, including units dedicated to sniper operations, communications and intelligence. However, experts note the conspicuous absence of any specialized equipment mentioned in court documents that would typically accompany such units. To ensure their safety, Dr. Maltsev’s team, like many civilians in the region, took precautions by acquiring protective gear such as body armor, helmets, ballistic goggles, and other tactical equipment. This equipment was essential for their personal protection in a war zone. The same items meant for defense were instead portrayed as evidence of an alleged plan to seize power in Odesa.
The research materials intended for his book 'Shooter With the Orange Stock' were distorted into 'guides to sabotage tactics,' supplemented by sensational claims in the media about plans to destroy administrative buildings. (It is also important to note that at the time of his detention, Oleg Maltsev was undergoing rehabilitation and could not move without a wheelchair, which further reflects the absurdity of the claims.)
Another unexpectedly intriguing aspect is that even before the arrest (and particularly on the day of the arrest), over a hundred articles about Maltsev's detention were published, often containing fictitious details. One of the most striking examples was the false claim that explosives were found during the searches; however, this was not mentioned in any official document or court statement. In Ukraine, there is a presumption of innocence, and no one has the right to disclose such information–names and photos–as this constitutes a violation of the law. It also suggests a leak of information, which Maltsev's lawyer believes to be intentional. This could have been done to exert pressure on the scientist and his associates, a practice that is unfortunately quite common in Ukraine.
Another extremely important fact in this case is that even before the events unfolded, in December 2023, Maltsev's lawyer received an email indicating that the Military Counterintelligence Department of the SBU was carrying out operational and investigative actions against Maltsev. The same letter included an offer to halt the proceedings in exchange for 'monetary gratitude.' The email came from an unidentified email, and the sender’s identity is not confirmed. At that time, Oleg Maltsev was on a scientific expedition in Italy, and if he had felt guilty, he could have simply chosen not to return (this is what majority do). Instead, he returned to Ukraine, confident in his innocence and hopeful that justice still exists in his motherland. According to his colleagues, including the honored journalist of Ukraine Kim Kanevsky, this act alone speaks volumes about his innocence.
Attorneys, journalists, and close colleagues believe that, based on various violations and the development of the situation, this case appears to be a commercial order. The lack of evidence, unlawful actions by law enforcement and judges, and the unexpectedly extensive media coverage (which began even before the arrest!) only confirm this. However, determining who is behind this requires investigation.
One possible trigger may have been the high-profile book co-authored by Oleg Maltsev and the renowned expert Harvey Kushner, titled 'Strike in the Deadliest Manner Possible,' which addresses war crimes in Ukraine. It is conceivable that someone sought to halt the publication of this book...
A number of violations and intriguing contradictions regarding the case of Oleg Maltsev are outlined in the following articles: Jewish Review and Nächste Stufe (or you can reach out to us via email for further information).
Dr. Oleg Maltsev has received support from various representatives in Ukraine's business and scientific sectors, as well as from international scientific circles. In general, EUASU, led by President Jerome Krase, is confident that the allegations against Dr. Oleg Maltsev are completely unfounded!
PROTECT THE FUTURE OF UKRAINIAN SCIENCE!
Our primary concern is that this case mirrors Ukraine's Soviet past, particularly the 1930s when renowned and honorable scientists faced imprisonment on politically motivated charges. Such practices still persist in Russia, which is infamous for its lack of democracy. Now, we find ourselves grappling with this issue in Ukraine, and this precedent will certainly mark a pivotal moment for the future of science in the country and also abroad.