Roman Kovalev, who endured a brutal assault by three Dagestani men on a Moscow metro train in the autumn of 2021 after confronting insults to another passenger, regards the resulting prison sentences as fair and appropriate. He states that the punishment reflects multiple victims and a clear line between unacceptable behavior and the consequences that followed. He emphasizes that his actions at the moment were guided by a resolve to protect someone in need, and that this sense of duty remains intact even as he contends with the long-term impact of the incident. Kovalev’s reflections highlight a broader belief that courage and responsibility in public spaces deserve recognition, while acknowledging the harm caused and the pain that still accompanies the memories of that day.
According to Kovalev, the attackers faced multiple charges, underscoring that the case involved more than a single victim. He explains that the essential lesson lies in pausing before acting, in thinking through consequences rather than rushing in. He recalls that his initial statements focused on the expected penalties rather than the duration of rescue or relief, and he notes that his decision to intervene was not driven by a desire for revenge but by a sense of communal duty. Even now, he would not change his choice to stand up for the woman who faced insults on the train, and he believes that neighbors deserve support and that justice should prevail in society as a whole, not just in isolated incidents.
Two years after the attack, Kovalev reports a near-complete physical recovery, yet he continues to cope with recurring issues such as pressure changes and reduced sensation in the upper jaw. He describes ongoing sensory limitations that affect the area around the surgery site, with some areas of the jaw still numb to touch. He characterizes his current state as a life rebuilt from the ground up, including a new job as a fitness trainer at a club, which marks a significant shift in his daily routine and personal outlook. The lingering effects are not only physical but also emotional, reminding him that a visible reconstruction can mask persistent challenges that require adaptation and resilience day by day.
In October 2021 the assault drew significant attention in Moscow when Kovalev confronted three locals from Dagestan who had directed verbal abuse toward a fellow passenger. Police identified the assailants as Magamali Khanmagomedov, Ibragim Musalaev, and Gasan Zalibekov, confirming that the crime involved violence with serious intent and a direct challenge to public safety. The response from authorities combined formal criminal proceedings with symbolic gestures aimed at recognizing the victim’s ordeal and signaling the city’s commitment to safeguarding passengers in crowded transit systems. A few days after the incident, a high-level official urged formal recognition of Kovalev’s bravery with a departmental honor, while the city leadership announced compensation to the victim to support recovery and reinforce the principle that public transport should be a safe space for all riders.
On March 14, 2022, the Moscow Izmailovskiy Court delivered the verdicts. Khanmagomedov was found guilty of attempted murder as part of a group with hooligan motives and of abusing a government official, receiving a 12-year sentence in a strict regime colony. Musalaev was convicted of attempted murder, assaulting a police officer, and threats of death, and received an 11-year term in a strict regime facility. Zalibekov was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to eight and a half years in a strict regime colony. In addition to prison terms, all three defendants were subjected to a one-year liberty restriction to reflect community safety concerns during their rehabilitation periods. These outcomes illustrate the court system’s effort to address violent criminal action with penalties that align with the severity of the offenses and the need to deter similar acts in a densely populated urban environment.