Shevchenko Makar Aleksandrovich

In the Donetsk region, in territory controlled by Russian forces, on June 13, 2023, a 20-year-old resident of Podolsk, Moscow Oblast, a serviceman of the 110th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade named after Makar Shchenko, was detained. On October 23 of the same year, he was taken to Rostov-on-Don, where he was 'officially' detained and charged with treason, attempted terrorism, and participation in a terrorist organization.

Details of the charges are unknown. Makar stated that he had corresponded with the 'Russian Volunteer Corps,' transferred 4,800 rubles to their account, and then wanted to join them. On the instructions of an unknown person with whom he corresponded, Makar attempted to set fire to 'infrastructure of law enforcement agencies,' though it is unclear what exactly the young man intended to burn.

Later, on the advice of the same unknown person, Shchenko destroyed his phone and drove to Donetsk, closer to the line of contact. There, he was told they could not help him cross into Ukraine. The young man then voluntarily went to the 110th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces and signed a contract after seven months. Makar claims he did not participate in combat operations and served in the rear. He also contacted the 'I Want to Live' project, sent his geolocation and photographs, and was detained the same day.