Journalist Yevgeny Kiselyov arrested in absentia in Russia: what is known about the case
1 January 23:25
Famous journalist and TV presenter Yevgeny Kiselyov was arrested in absentia in Russia. The decision was made by the Basmanny Court of Moscow, which also put him on the international wanted list. This was reported by a number of Russian media outlets, citing the court’s decision, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
What Kiselyov is accused of
According to Russian media, the court charged the journalist with Part 1 of Article 205.4 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation – “creation of a terrorist organization”. This article provides for a sentence of 15 to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment.
The court imposed a pre-trial restraint on Kiselyov in the form of detention for a period of two months from the moment of his detention on the territory of Russia or in case of extradition. It is reported that the journalist was put on the international wanted list on October 17, 2025.
Previous decisions of the Russian authorities
Back in 2024, Rosfinmonitoring included Yevgeny Kiselyov in the so-called list of “terrorists and extremists”. And at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Kiselyov, along with journalist Matvey Ganapolsky, was included in the list of “individuals – foreign agents.”
In Russia, they were accused of “conducting political activities” and allegedly receiving funding from Ukraine.
Career as a journalist
Yevgeny Kiselyov used to work for a number of Russian TV channels, including NTV, TNT and TV-6. After moving to Ukraine, he hosted and participated in programs on Inter, Pryamyy, and Ukraine 24 TV channels, and also worked with Radio NV and the international broadcaster FreeDom.
In addition, the journalist is actively developing his own YouTube channel.
The decision to arrest Kiselyov in absentia fits into the broader practice of the Russian authorities to persecute journalists, media professionals and public figures who openly criticize the Kremlin and oppose Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Arrests in absentia, international wanted lists, and lists of “extremists” are increasingly being used in Russia as a tool of political pressure and attempts to intimidate opponents of the regime.
