On October 14, 2024, our editor, Sergej Engelmann, was detained at the Ukrainian border while en route to visit his family in Cologne. Sergej is currently being held in a pre-trial detention center. We have notified the German Consulate in Ukraine and the German Journalists Association, and we are working closely with them to resolve this matter.
Sergej Engelmann is a passionate and dedicated journalist facing a very difficult situation. Throughout his career, Sergej has focused on science journalism and world martial arts; he has never shown interest in or involvement with political or military reporting. Sergej has not violated any residency rules or border-crossing regulations in Ukraine. However, the charges against him are politically motivated, suggesting alleged involvement in a paramilitary formation—an unfounded and deeply troubling accusation.
How a journalist covering martial arts came to be perceived as a member of a paramilitary group by Ukrainian authorities remains unclear.
According to Sergej’s legal team, the charges under which he is detained allow for the possibility of bail. However, the court has categorically denied this option, which is concerning and raises questions about the motivations behind his detention.
Sergej’s professional journey speaks for itself. He began as the editor of Welt der Kampfkunst and later co-founded the Research Institute for the Study of Human Behavior in Extreme Situations. Sergej also played a key role as coordinator for an international project that oversaw the worldwide release of Non-compromised Pendulum by Oleg Maltsev and Tom Patti, a book exploring the unique fight system of boxing coach Cus D’Amato, known for his “peek-a-boo” technique.
Sergej is an incredibly passionate individual whose dedication to his craft extends far beyond traditional journalism. He has founded two magazines: one focused on motorsports and the other on popular science, aimed at making research on Olympic and non-Olympic sports, particularly skeet shooting, accessible to a wider audience. Sergej has always advocated for integrating science into everyday life, dedicating his career to projects that reflect this philosophy.
A significant chapter in Sergej Engelmann’s life is his involvement in the Expeditionary Corps and opening the journal Expedition. Led by scientist Dr. Oleg Maltsev, the Expeditionary Corps conducts research on power dynamics across various historical periods and regions worldwide. As a journalist, Sergej documented numerous expeditions, visiting dozens of countries and publishing detailed accounts of these experiences. Expedition magazine actively covered Ukrainian scientists’ activities for a European audience, providing near-continuous reporting during two Ukrainian expeditions.
In 2021, Sergej, alongside academician Oleg Maltsev, established the Research Institute for the Study of Human Behavior in Extreme Situations in Ukraine. Sergej has always believed in Ukraine’s immense scientific potential and has been deeply committed to its unique history and people. When the military conflict broke out, Sergej chose to remain in Ukraine to continue his professional work, despite the risks involved.
Sergej was also present when scientist Oleg Maltsev was arrested in Odesa. He witnessed the events firsthand and provided support to Maltsev’s family and friends following the arrest. The situation garnered significant media attention, with many outlets reporting on the unusual circumstances and infringements on academic freedom. Our publication also covered the story in an article titled ‘Who Ordered the Smear Campaign Against Oleg Maltsev?’ .
Just four days after the release of that article, Sergej was detained at the border.
We are deeply concerned for Sergej Engelmann’s well-being and safety. We urgently call on Ukrainian authorities for transparency and cooperation in ensuring a swift and just resolution to this situation. Journalism, especially in the areas of scientific inquiry and public interest, should not be stifled by unnecessary detentions or politically motivated accusations.
To our readers, we will continue to update you on Sergej’s situation as it develops. Thank you for your ongoing support during this challenging time. We hope Sergej will soon be able to reunite with his family and return to his work.
