Serhii Cherniaiev (ru. Сергей Черняев)
Date of birth: June 30, 1966
Deported since: May 16, 2023
Last known location: Village of Nova Mayachka, Kherson region

Serhii Cherniaiev is a trained psychiatrist who worked for 23 years as a physician and later as the director of a psychoneurological rehabilitation clinic. He also served as a deputy on the Oleshky district council and dedicated his time to his faith. From 1984 to 1986, Serhii served in the military in Afghanistan, reaching the rank of major in the reserves. He was already retired at the time of the full Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Abduction

On May 15 and 16, 2023, the Russian FSB and military police searched Serhii’s house. The reason given was allegations of collaboration with the Ukrainian armed forces and the discrediting of the Russian armed forces.

Serhii was unlawfully arrested on May 16, 2023, and detained and interrogated for ten days at a local police station. He was last seen on May 27, 2023, in a seaside prison in the village of Hengirka, Genichesk District, Kherson Region. Serhii was considered missing until February 9, 2024, when his family learned his whereabouts from a released Russian prisoner. According to this information, Serhii was last held in a penal colony in the town of Horlivka, Donetsk District.

Health

Serhii has long suffered from various chronic illnesses: circulatory disorders, transient ischemic attacks, a herniated disc, chronic gastritis, stomach ulcers, psoriasis, radiculitis (irritation of the kidney roots), haemorrhoids, and periodontitis. According to the released man, Serhii lost a significant amount of weight in captivity and suffers from extensive skin rashes.

Status: August 2025