Biography
"Sometimes it feels as if life has come to a standstill," said Roman Kuchin. "Everything that used to be ordinary pleasures — work, meeting with friends, vacation plans, family dreams — suddenly turned out to be postponed indefinitely." In the spring of 2026, law enforcement officers conducted a search of Roman's home and interrogated him.
Roman was born in Kurgan in March 1994. He has an older brother and sister. His father spent most of his life working as a driver. Later, his parents became janitors. The children were taught to respect any honest work and not to be afraid of physical labor. In the summer, the whole family grew potatoes and made hay for the cows. His father built their house with his own hands, and young Roman was always by his side — at first passing tools, and later taking on simple tasks. This experience later helped him choose a profession.
Recalling his school years, Roman said: "I always enjoyed learning to do things with my hands and discovering new things. I was drawn to technical literature, psychology, and popular science books." In elementary school, he attended the "Young Naturalist" club and registered at the library. Roman and his brother loved fishing. In the summer, the family went out to pick mushrooms and berries. In his teens, Roman got into powerlifting.
After school, he enrolled in a vocational school to train as a general construction worker. However, he did not finish his studies: as early as his second year, Roman began working on construction sites and realized that he gained the necessary skills more quickly this way.
Over time, Roman tried himself in real estate — at first working as an agent, then, together with partners, he started his own business. After moving to Tyumen, he got a job as a sales manager for paint and varnish materials, and then as a technician in an engineering maintenance company. About half a year later, Roman was appointed site manager, and after a few more months, deputy technical director.
Roman has a wide range of interests. He enjoys playing chess and studying modern technology; for some time, he was interested in programming and web development. Roman continues to be involved in sports: "For me, it is not only a way to keep fit, but also a good way to maintain inner balance," he said. "Especially in recent years, training has helped me cope with stress and shift gears after difficult events."
Roman's grandmother was the first in the family to learn about Jehovah's Witnesses — back in the 1970s. Later, his parents also decided to become Christians. Roman grew up in a family where great value was placed on peaceableness, honesty, love, and respect for others.
"My parents never forced me to accept their religious beliefs," said Roman. "They understood that faith must be a personal choice." In high school, he began to take the Bible more seriously. He recalls: "I increasingly noticed how my peers were changing: some started to smoke, some to abuse alcohol, some got involved with drugs or committed thefts. It was hard to watch such choices gradually destroy their relationships with loved ones and cancel their plans for the future." In 2010, Roman was baptized and became one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Bible principles became the foundation of Roman's family life. According to him, they help him and his wife calmly discuss difficulties, respect each other's opinions, and look for solutions together. Yekaterina is a graphic designer by profession. The young people met through mutual friends. In the summer of 2020, they were married.
For a time, the couple lived in Tyumen, but due to criminal prosecution they had to move to Kurgan. Roman and Yekaterina's family has been facing persecution for their faith for several years. In 2021, a search was conducted at the home of Roman's parents in Kurgan; afterward, they and his sister were repeatedly summoned for interrogations. Later, a search was also conducted at Yekaterina's parents' home. "These events have been a serious trial for our entire family," Roman says. "Because of ongoing stress, my parents' chronic illnesses have worsened. Despite their own difficulties, they continue to support us. Their love has become one of our main pillars during this difficult time."