A prominent Novosibirsk physicist, Valery Zvegintsev, was detained on suspicion of treason under Article 275 of Russia’s Criminal Code. The information came to light through an open letter issued by colleagues at the Khristianovich Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, part of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. These colleagues work at ITAM SB RAS and report that Zvegintsev is the institute’s lead researcher, holds the degree Doctor of Technical Sciences, specializes in hypersonic aerodynamics, and has contributed over 300 scientific papers alongside a monograph and ten patents.
The open letter also references two other aerodynamic physicists, Anatoly Maslov and Alexander Shiplyuk, who were previously detained under the same treason article in mid 2022. The letter emphasizes that these scientists have earned recognition for their outstanding results and have maintained strong professional reputations. They received lucrative and prestigious opportunities abroad yet remained committed to Russian science, dedicating their careers to advancing the country’s research capabilities.
The signatories recall that this group persevered through the 1990s with the institute, helping to preserve the vitality of science in Novosibirsk. They continued high level research and actively mentored younger researchers. The letter points out that even though the materials connected to Zvegintsev, Maslov, and Shiplyuk are classified, colleagues across open channels can verify that the actions now alleged as treason would be seen as a standard, high quality scientific activity in many places around the world, including Russia. The authors stress that the essence of their work involved presenting at international seminars and conferences, publishing in leading foreign journals, and engaging in international scientific programs.
The authors note that ITAM SB RAS has an independent expert commission that periodically reviewed the arrested physicists’ materials for classified content and found nothing improper. They also warn that any article or report could potentially trigger treason charges given the current climate. As a consequence, young researchers are exiting the field, and several aviation research domains are facing abrupt closures or reduced opportunities. The letter describes a foreboding sense that a repeat of the 1990s could happen, raising concerns about the sustainability of indigenous science. The signatories state that the Academic Board of ITAM SB RAS agreed unanimously with these concerns.
Local coverage from the Novosibirsk portal NGS.RU indicates that Valery Zvegintsev was placed under house arrest on April 7 after a decision by the Sovetsky District Court in Novosibirsk. Authorities from the Federal Security Service and the regional prosecutor’s office have not commented on the case. Reports from a regional judicial department source corroborate the placement under house arrest and indicate that the court decision was not appealed.
The scientists who authored the defense letter appeared before the State Duma, where Deputy Chairman for Science and Higher Education Oleg Smolin discussed the matter. The discussion touched on long standing expectations for collaboration with foreign colleagues, yet the security services now view such cooperation as a potential military information leak. Smolin noted that the Ministry of Science and Higher Education had previously urged robust international collaboration and that a scientist’s standing often depended on published work in international databases and journals, which can be used to support a broad spectrum of fields including engineering and physics. He suggested a framework arrangement between the FSB and the Ministry to guide what kinds of international activities should be considered acceptable for Russian scientists.
The deputy observed that the FSB has frequently charged scientists with treason in the past and argued that many of these individuals did not see themselves as traitors. He called for a unified policy on how international activity should be assessed and what collaborations should be permitted, warning that without clear guidance scientists could become hesitant to engage with the global research community. Smolin stressed that collaborations based on open sources should not be equated with treason, even as the broader environment makes such accusations seem possible. He concluded that a coherent approach from the Ministry and the security agencies is essential to avoid disrupting scientific work while addressing legitimate national security concerns.