A Russian court has sentenced Ukrainian film producer Alexander Rodnyansky to 8.5 years in prison for speaking out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sentence was delivered on Monday by the Basmanny District Court in Moscow. Rodnyansky, who lives outside of Russia, was tried and convicted in absentia.
Rodnyansky has worked in the film industry for decades, producing movies that received Academy Award nominations and critical acclaim. However, since the start of the war he has openly condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The court claimed Rodnyansky spread “fakes” about the military and that his comments were motivated by “political hatred.”
The producer denies the charges, saying the case is political and that he was punished for discussing war crimes committed by Russian forces in the Ukrainian city of Bucha. In a statement to Variety magazine, Rodnyansky said the long prison sentence and internet ban are meant to “instill more fear in the Russian film community and prevent them from criticizing the unjust war in Ukraine.”
Rodnyansky was born in Ukraine but spent many years living and working in Russia, where he founded an independent TV network in Ukraine. He became a top film producer through collaborations with Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev, producing movies nominated for Academy Awards and Golden Globes representing Russia. However, since the start of the invasion Rodnyansky has been living outside Russia and using his platform to support Ukraine.
His case reflects broader efforts to suppress anti-war voices. Dozens of other artists and intellectuals in Russia have also faced charges and long sentences for speaking out. Rodnyansky notes one difference—as a Ukrainian citizen, his condemnation of Russia’s actions carries an added dimension.
Even with an 8.5-year prison sentence, Rodnyansky vows to continue sharing the truth about the brutality of the Russian invasion through media and his films. As the war drags on, his case highlights ongoing tensions between creative expression and political restrictions within Russia.
