TDAuthorities in Ukraine have imprisoned four additional members of Jehovah’s Witnesses during late 2025 and early 2026 for refusing military service on grounds of conscience.
The developments come despite provisions in the country’s constitution that allow citizens to request alternative civilian service (ACS) instead of military duty.
Convicted Members of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ukraine
Oleksandr Shnyra
On December 18, 2025, Oleksandr Shnyra, a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, began serving a three-year prison sentence after refusing compulsory military service.
His imprisonment followed the rejection of his appeal against an earlier conviction by the Starokostiantyniv District Court in Khmelnytskyi Region.
Viktor Marko
Roughly one month later, on January 22, 2026, Viktor Marko, another member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, also started serving a three-year sentence.
He had previously been acquitted by the Chortkiv District Court in June 2025.
However, prosecutors successfully appealed the verdict, leading to a retrial and his eventual conviction.
Marko, who cares for his elderly parents and grandmother, said during the proceedings that his faith had given him “inner peace and strength beyond what is normal.”
Vasyl Kononchuk
On January 28, 2026, Vasyl Kononchuk, another Witness, was sentenced to three years in prison.
Although his sentence was not scheduled to begin immediately, authorities took him into custody directly from the courtroom.
Kononchuk stated that the situation had strengthened his faith and provided an opportunity to bear witness before the court.
Ihor Melnychenko
Meanwhile, on February 9, 2026, officials extended the pretrial detention of Ihor Melnychenko, yet another member of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Despite his request to perform alternative civilian service, conscription officers reportedly registered him as a soldier.
They later charged him with refusing military orders.
If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison.
In a separate development, Mykhailo Liubchenko, who had been detained since November 2025, was recently released on bail while awaiting trial.
15 Jehovah’s Witnesses Imprisoned in Ukraine
With these latest cases, a total of 15 Jehovah’s Witnesses are currently imprisoned in Ukraine for refusing military service on religious grounds.
Members of the global Jehovah’s Witnesses community say they continue to pray for the imprisoned men and their families.
They hope that they will remain steadfast and supported during the ongoing legal proceedings.
