FEBRUARY 24, 2025
RUSSIA

Left to right: Igor Alekseyev, Ilya Buryi, and Eduard Kapitonov (top row); Ilya Kapitonov, Aleksey Kulikov, Sergey Kulikov, and Sergey Naymushin (middle row); Denis Petrov, Yevgeniy Plotnikov, and Vladimir Usenko (bottom row)

Ten Brothers in Russia Sentenced

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On February 13, 2025, the Yoshkar-Ola City Court of the Republic of Mari El convicted and fined ten brothers. Brothers Igor Alekseyev, Ilya Buryi, Eduard Kapitonov, Ilya Kapitonov, Aleksey Kulikov, Sergey Kulikov, Sergey Naymushin, Denis Petrov, and Vladimir Usenko were each fined 600,000 rubles ($6,569 U.S.). Brother Yevgeniy Plotnikov was fined 500,000 rubles ($5,474 U.S.).

Profiles

Igor Alekseyev

Born: 1977 (Arzebelyak, Republic of Mari El)

Baptized: 2009

Background: Works as a bricklayer. Married Nataliya in 2006. They have a son and a daughter

Charged with: Organizing religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Sentence: Fined 600,000 rubles ($6,569 U.S.)

Personal Comments

How has this experience affected your prayers?

When the authorities searched our home, it happened so suddenly that I didn’t know what to pray for. I simply said, “Jehovah, help!” He answered me by providing a sense of calmness. After the search, the investigator repeatedly called me in for interrogations. Each time, I would find a quiet place where I could tell Jehovah my worries and ask him to give me peace in my heart. He always answered these prayers. Now I pray even more often, and I am very open with Jehovah about my feelings. It is as if Jehovah is saying to me the words recorded at Isaiah 43:4, 5: “For you became precious in my eyes, . . . and I have loved you. . . . Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”

Ilya Buryi

Born: 1992 (Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod Region)

Baptized: 2004

Background: Works as an electrician. Married Anna in 2018. They have one daughter

Charged with: Participating in religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Sentence: Fined 600,000 rubles ($6,569 U.S.)

Personal Comments

What challenges have you faced, and how has Jehovah helped you overcome them?

The criminal case was initiated against me in a city that is over 350 kilometers (217 mi) from where I live. I made repeated trips there throughout my criminal prosecution, which was exhausting. Things became even more difficult when my mother died during this time. Through it all, I have seen Jehovah care for my family and me. Brothers and sisters support me at the courthouse, offer practical help, and pray for me regularly. I hold on to Jehovah’s promise at Jeremiah 1:19: “They will certainly fight against you, but they will not prevail against you, for ‘I am with you,’ declares Jehovah, ‘to save you.’” These words remind me to keep relying on Jehovah’s support and trusting in him.

Ilya Kapitonov

Born: 2002 (Yoshkar-Ola)

Baptized: 2012

Background: Works as a lawyer. His father, Brother Eduard Kapitonov, was criminally charged in the same case

Charged with: Organizing religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Sentence: Fined 600,000 rubles ($6,569 U.S.)

Personal Comments

How have the other brothers involved in your criminal case encouraged you?

There are ten of us involved in this case. There is a sense of unity among us. As I observe each one, I find an excellent example for me to follow. They all have unique circumstances to deal with. But they do not give in to discouragement, and they maintain their joy. Jehovah provides support to us individually, no matter what we are dealing with. It may not come immediately or in the way we expect, but Jehovah always finds a way.

Aleksey Kulikov

Born: 1979 (Rostov-on-Don, Rostov Region)

Baptized: 1994

Background: Works as an electrician. Married Lydia in 2014. They have two young sons. Aleksey’s father, Brother Sergey Kulikov, was criminally charged in the same case

Charged with: Participating in religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Sentence: Fined 600,000 rubles ($6,569 U.S.)

Personal Comments

What verse from the Bible has helped you remain calm?

I recall waking up one morning before a court hearing and feeling very anxious. Then I read Revelation 2:10, which says: “Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer.” That reassurance helped me to calm down, and the anxiety went away. Now I am often surprised to find that I feel very little worry. But it should not be surprising, as I often ask Jehovah for peace when it comes to situations that I cannot control. I am so grateful to Jehovah for always answering my prayers.

Sergey Kulikov

Born: 1953 (Gigant, Rostov Region)

Baptized: 1994

Background: Worked as an electrician. Married Nadezhda in 1978. They have a son and a daughter. Their son, Brother Aleksey Kulikov, was criminally charged in the same case

Charged with: Organizing religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Sentence: Fined 600,000 rubles ($6,569 U.S.)

Personal Comments

How do you feel when you see brothers and sisters come to the courthouse?

When I see brothers and sisters at the courthouse, their presence calms me and my heart no longer feels tight in my chest. On one occasion, a brother traveled with a group from another city to attend a hearing. He said to me: “I knew you were here and suffering, so I came to hug you and say, ‘Do not be afraid, we are with you, we love you, and we are praying for you.’” Because there was not enough room in the courthouse, they were not allowed to come inside with us. He came all that way just to share those words and give me a hug. What powerful proof that we are not alone!

Sergey Naymushin

Born: 1984 (Yoshkar-Ola)

Baptized: 1996

Background: Works as an auto mechanic

Charged with: Participating in religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Sentence: Fined 600,000 rubles ($6,569 U.S.)

Personal Comments

What has this experience taught you about how Jehovah supports his servants?

This is my first time dealing with something like this, so every phase of the investigation and trial has been challenging. It made me realize that none of Jehovah’s servants will avoid being persecuted and that it can happen at any time. But I have seen how Jehovah is always there to support me. It is obvious that he is answering the many prayers said in my behalf so that I can maintain a positive attitude. I am grateful for this opportunity to glorify Jehovah’s name before the court.

Yevgeniy Plotnikov

Born: 1982 (Dalniy, Altai Territory)

Baptized: 2000

Background: Worked in construction

Charged with: Organizing and participating in religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Spent almost four months in pretrial detention and almost two months under house arrest

Sentence: Fined 500,000 rubles ($5,474 U.S.)

Comments From Yevgeniy’s Final Statement in Court b

I think constantly about Jesus’ example. Was his trial, which took place more than 2,000 years ago, fair? Hardly anyone would say that. In modern times, Jesus’ followers are seeing the fulfillment of his own words as recorded at Matthew 10:17, 18: “They will hand you over to local courts . . . And you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the nations.” Although I do not yet know the outcome of my own trial, I am certain that God’s judgment is fair. Regardless of the court’s decision, I will remain a servant of Jehovah God as one of his Witnesses.

Vladimir Usenko

Born: 1955 (Yoshkar-Ola)

Baptized: 1997

Background: Was a professional soccer player. Married Nelly in 1986. They have a son and a daughter. Vladimir is the only Witness in his family

Charged with: Organizing religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Sentence: Fined 600,000 rubles ($6,569 U.S.)

Personal Comments

How have you felt Jehovah’s support during this difficult time?

Through the Bible and the many words of encouragement I receive from my brothers and sisters, Jehovah has strengthened me. One brother reminded me of the words at Zephaniah 3:17, where it says: “Jehovah your God is in your midst. As a mighty One, he will save. He will exult over you with great joy.” The brother then said: “Thank you for setting an example of faithful service to Jehovah. I am glad to serve with you on the same team. When Jehovah looks at you, he rejoices!” This boosted my faith and made me even more determined to hold on tight to Jehovah and my spiritual family.

Like these ten brothers, we find comfort in knowing that during all our trials, we can rely on the support Jehovah provides through our united spiritual family.—Proverbs 17:17.

a Personal comments from Denis were not available during the preparation of this article.

b Personal comments from Yevgeniy were not available during the preparation of this article.

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Ten Brothers in Russia Sentenced

Profiles

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