Metal boxes, electrocution, icy water: Ukraine exposes Russian torturer of Lithuanian volunteer by name

Dec 8, 2025 - 19:05

Ukrainian and Lithuanian law enforcement have exposed a Russian soldier who tortured a Lithuanian volunteer in occupied Melitopol in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The investigation has found that Rabadan Abdulganiev, a senior inspector of the Russian military police of the 177th Separate Marine Regiment of the Caspian Flotilla, tortured prisoners in a jail set up at the occupied airfield in the city, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reports.

Melitopol has been under occupation for nearly four years, but its residents continue to await liberation. Local citizens participate in the nonviolent “Yellow Ribbon” movement, posting Ukrainian leaflets across the city despite the Russian threat.

Documenting and exposing such crimes helps maintain sanctions, diplomatic, and legal pressure on Russia, which is crucial for holding perpetrators accountable.

Another convict in the case

In November, Ukraine handed over Russian soldier Margen Hadzhimagomedov, a military police inspector of the same 177th Separate Marine Regiment, to Lithuania. He was also implicated in torturing the Lithuanian volunteer, who had supported Ukraine’s Defense Forces since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Prisoners were locked in cramped metal boxes, choked to unconsciousness, suspended by their hands, doused with icy water in freezing conditions, and electrocuted.

The evidence against both perpetrators was collected by an international investigative and operational group.

Based on materials gathered by the SBU and foreign partners, Abdulganiev has been recognized in absentia as a suspect for violating the Geneva Conventions and the laws and customs of war, under Articles 100 and 103 (Part 1) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Lithuania.

The suspect remains on occupied Ukrainian territory. Comprehensive measures to bring him to justice are ongoing.