Maksim Ovcharenko (Russian: Максим Овчаренко)
Date of birth: January 31, 1991
Abducted since: March 25, 2022
Last known location: Slavutych, Kyiv Region

Before his capture in Russia, Maksim worked as a welding specialist at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. He became a father in 2014. His parents are increasingly suffering from health problems. His father has been afflicted by several serious illnesses—a stroke, a broken hip, and a serious kidney condition have weakened him to the point where he can barely stand. He is tormented by the worry that he will never be able to hold his son in his arms again. Maksim’s mother also struggles with mobility limitations and relies on a walking stick.

Abduction

On March 25, 2022, the Russian military opened fire on the car in which Maksim and his friends were traveling near the city of Slavutych. All occupants of the car were captured by the Russian military.

Maksim was initially taken to the city of Kursk (Russian Federation). He was then held in the Tula penal colony in the city of Donskoy (Russian Federation). According to the latest information, he was transferred to a colony in Mordovia.

Since April 2023, there has been no new information regarding Maksim’s whereabouts.

Health condition

Maksim suffered from a herniated disc and leg problems. According to witnesses, Maksim sustained injuries to his shoulder and arm during his arrest.

Status: February 2025