Kirillo Alexandrov moved from Detroit, Michigan, to southern Ukraine to live with his family. He led a peaceful life as a farmer until the Russian invasion. Thousands of soldiers occupied his town, trapping Kirillo and his family behind enemy lines. Despite seeking assistance from the U.S. Department of State, his location rendered help impossible.
CASE STUDY:
AMERICAN VICTIM OF RUSSIAN WAR CRIMES RESCUED
AMERICAN CITIZEN KIRILLO ALEXANDROV
Rescued from Russian captivity and victim of horrific war crimes
The Ordeal:
On April 2, 2022, Kirillo was arrested by Russian forces. Paraded as a war trophy, he was falsely accused of espionage. His only crime was being an American citizen. For thirty-seven days, Kirillo and his family endured unspeakable atrocities at the hands of Russian Intelligence. They were subjected to mock executions, beatings, and extreme acts of sadistic violence. Kirillo was unlawfully detained and charged with eleven counts of espionage. The Russians aimed to break his spirit and instill fear as a warning to others.
The Heroic Response:
Unknown to the Russians, Kirillo’s mother had contacted Bryan Stern for help. Already setting conditions for a daring rescue, Bryan mobilized a mission fueled by donor generosity and patriotism. This rescue highlighted the incredible achievements possible when Americans refuse to stand by as their fellow citizens suffer.
The Rescue Operation:
Bryan Stern and his team orchestrated a daring rescue mission. The mission humiliated the Russian forces. Their frustration led to an assassination attempt on Bryan, Kirillo, and his family. Bryan anticipated this scenario, and the plot failed, which was captured on video. This added to the legend and mystery of the mission, which remains an “unsolved crime” by the Russians. Within Russian intelligence circles, Bryan Stern is known as “Amerikanskiy volshebnik,” the “American magician,” for his ingenuity in outwitting a formidable security service.
The Final Dash to Safety:
After the failed assassination attempt, Bryan and his team raced with Kirillo from Russian-occupied Ukraine, through the Ukrainian warzone, to the safety of Poland. The perilous journey spanned over 20 hours by road. After 37 days of waiting and praying in Poland, Kirillo’s mother, Gloria, was reunited with her son, thanks to Bryan and his team.
Lasting Impact:
Kirillo and Bryan returned to the United States. He works as a kickboxing trainer, makes inspirational speeches, and serves as a “Survivor Ambassador” for the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, dedicated to saving Americans against all odds. Kirillo’s experience exemplifies resilience and the power of positivity, reminding others to live a life of service and purpose.
Kirillo is the first American victim of war crimes to survive since World War II. His suffering and inhumane treatment by Russian military and intelligence personnel represent grave breaches of the Geneva Convention and U.S. law. On December 6, 2023, in an unprecedented demonstration of justice, the Department of Justice indicted four of Kirillo’s Russian captors. “As the world has witnessed the horrors of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, so has the United States Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, joined by FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The Justice Department will pursue accountability and justice for as long as it takes.”
Bryan Stern continues his mission through the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, vowing to rescue Americans wherever and whenever they are in trouble. His unwavering dedication and bravery, supported by donor generosity, stand as beacons of hope and resilience in war and evil.
Conclusion:
Kirillo Alexandrov’s rescue exemplifies what can be achieved when individuals step up in adversity. This operation saved lives and inspired a legacy of action and compassion, reminding us all that we have the power to make a difference in times of crisis. This tale of bravery and defiance will forever echo in history, showing that heroism is not exclusive to a few but is a calling for all.
Grey Bull Rescue steps in, promising to never abandon Americans in need.
Grey Bull Rescue’s team of elite special operations experts began their work during the failed U.S. evacuation of Afghanistan, successfully rescuing countless Americans and allies. Since then, more than 7,000 men, women, children, babies, and even beloved pets credit Stern and his team for safely evacuating them from disaster zones.
This includes operations in 35 countries including Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, Israel, Haiti, and the United States during the devastating Maui wildfires and following Hurricane Ian in Florida. Grey Bull Rescue Foundation is as much about the heroes who support us as the heroes who conduct the missions.
All of our work is made possible by the concern, care, and extraordinary generosity of public and private donors. In areas where government support is not possible, Grey Bull Rescue steps in, promising to never abandon Americans in need.