Set designer for 'Liquidation' series, Oleksandr Kondratov, dies in Moscow

Hospitalisation and circumstances of death

52-year-old set designer Oleksandr Kondratov, known for his work on the series "Liquidation", has died in Moscow. He had been living in Kyiv since 2012. Russian media reported his death, citing his lawyer, Nataliia Tykhonova.

On 23 October, Kondratov was transferred from the pre-trial detention centre to Botkin Hospital. The specific cause of his death has not been officially disclosed.

Detention and administrative arrests

In spring 2026, the artist travelled to Russia to renew his foreign passport. On 5 May, he was detained while undergoing border control at Moscow's Vnukovo airport.

Following his detention, administrative liability for petty hooliganism was applied against Kondratov on multiple occasions. In total, he spent more than 70 days in custody. This process became known as "carousel arrests", referring to successive detentions on administrative charges.

Criminal prosecution

Subsequently, a criminal case was opened against the artist on charges of high treason. The basis for the prosecution was at least six internet publications, the content of which was not made public. In August 2026, Kondratov was sent to a pre-trial detention centre.

Creative legacy and death statistics

Oleksandr Kondratov worked as the set designer for the series "Liquidation", which was released in 2007 and depicts post-war Odesa. For this work, he was awarded the Golden Eagle and TEFI prizes.

According to journalists' calculations, Kondratov became at least the eleventh defendant in a political case to die in Russia since the beginning of 2026.