Dr. Leonid Pshenichnov, who was about to travel to an Antarctic conservation conference in Hobart Australia, was detained by Russian authorities and accused of high treason based on his efforts to protect an Antarctic ecosystem from damaging krill-fishing practices.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03548-w?utm_
November 21, 2025
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
President of the Russian Federation
Ulitsa Ilyinka, 23
103132 Moscow,
Russian Federation
Fax: +7 495 9102134
Twitter: @KremlinRussia
Dear President Putin:
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We write today regarding the case of Dr. Leonid Pshenichnov, a Ukrainian marine biologist now charged with high treason by the Russian Federation. Dr. Pshenichnov, age 70, is a respected scientist specializing in Antarctic marine ecosystems.
At the time of his arrest, Dr. Pshenichnov was preparing to travel to the annual meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). His research, which has drawn international attention, implies that current krill-fishing practices in Antarctic waters is damaging the region’s delicate ecosystem. Dr. Pshenichnov has recommended that CCAMLR consider stronger environmental protections. These actions would not be political, nor would they meet any reasonable definition of treason.
We are troubled that the charges against Dr. Pshenichnov may be intended to punish him for conducting research and sharing conclusions from the evidence. Colleagues describe him as an outstanding scientist and a kind individual. Given his age and pre-existing health conditions, his detention presents potentially life-threatening risks.
The Committee of Concerned Scientists respectfully urges you to withdraw the charge of treason against Dr. Pshenichnov. Advocating responsible management of fishing for the sake of the environment should never be construed as an act of treason. At a minimum, we ask that Dr. Pshenichnov be granted prompt access to appropriate medical care and treated humanely.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. We will continue to monitor developments closely.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
Cc:
Marco Rubio
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Ambassador Anatoly Antonov,
Embassy of the Russian Federation
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Washington, DC 20007
Phone: 1 202 298 5700
Fax: 1 202 298 5735
Email: rusembusa@mid.ru
Twitter: @mfa_russia
National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine
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Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
+38 (044) 246-38-80
uac@uac.gov.ua