Ukrainian biologist jailed in Russia over Antarctic dispute

A diplomatic scandal has erupted worldwide over the unlawful arrest of Ukrainian scientist Leonid Pshenichnov, a 70-year-old biologist and expert on Antarctic ecosystems, whom Russian authorities have accused of "state treason."

Pshenichnov, who has dedicated more than 40 years to studying the marine flora and fauna of Antarctica, was detained in Russian-occupied Crimea while preparing to travel to Australia for an international conference on the conservation of Antarctic marine resources.

The conference was expected to discuss a Ukrainian proposal to restrict industrial krill fishing, a key component of the Antarctic food chain.

According to documents obtained by The Guardian, Russian security services accuse the scientist of "undermining Russia’s economic interests," claiming that his research "contributed to limiting fishing activity." The Kremlin reportedly believes that Ukraine’s initiative to create a marine reserve in Antarctica "threatens the profits" of the Russian fishing industry.

Since 1983, Pshenichnov has cooperated with the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), repeatedly advocating for krill population protection and the introduction of ecological quotas for harvesting. His colleagues describe him as "a scientist of outstanding caliber" and "a man of great kindness."

Reaction from Ukraine and international community

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, called the charges "fabricated" and stressed that the arrest was baseless.

"He’s a scientist, not an official, not a politician. These are trumped-up charges, his detention is groundless," the diplomat said, adding that an international petition demanding Pshenichnov’s release is now gathering signatures.

Australia expressed its "deep concern" over Russia’s actions, while the United Kingdom called for the release of all "unlawfully detained civilians."

The scientific community has also raised protests. Canadian oceanographer Yevhen Pakhomov, who has worked with Pshenichnov for over 30 years, said the scientist suffers from health issues and requires ongoing medical care.

“We are all deeply worried. His only ‘crime’ is his love for the ocean,” Pakhomov noted.

Dan Crockett, director of the environmental organization Blue Marine Foundation, emphasized that Pshenichnov was imprisoned by "nothing more than providing scientific evidence about the impact of krill fishing on the Antarctic ecosystem."

During the ongoing CCAMLR conference in Hobart, Australia, delegates from several countries are discussing a joint statement calling for the immediate release of the Ukrainian biologist.

"Can the global scientific community remain silent as Russia persecutes a scientist for studying nature?" ambassador Myroshnychenko asked during his speech.

In related news, Austria is considering the extradition of fugitive general Andrii Naumov to Ukraine. Ukrainian prosecutors accuse Naumov of multiple serious crimes, including embezzlement of state property, abuse of power, and fraud that caused over 3.2 million hryvnias in damages, as well as state treason.