Chuck Zimmerman
US Navy Veteran Abducted By Russia In International Waters
Bring Chuck Home
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Chuck Has Been Held For:
Chuck Zimmerman is a 58-year-old American father, veteran, master electrician, and sailor who spent his life savings on a sailboat and set course for New Zealand. He made it all the way to the Mediterranean and decided to explore the Black Sea before sailing through the Suez Canal.
Almost immediately upon entering the Black Sea via the Bosphorus Strait, the Russian Navy intercepted Chuck in international waters. The Russians led Chuck for approximately 22 hours to Sochi. Upon arrival, Chuck voluntarily declared and surrendered a firearm onboard his boat for self-protection, a common practice by sailors.
Chuck Zimmerman was sentenced to five years for arms smuggling.
Who is Chuck Zimmerman
Charles “Chuck” Zimmerman, 58, was born in Roanoke, VA. Chuck enlisted in the US Navy at an early age and and eventually left the service and became a certified Master Electrician. He is the proud father of two girls and a much sought-after electrician at job sites from California to North Carolina.
Chuck’s passion for sailing and travel extended well past his time in the Navy, and he decided it was time to realize his dream of sailing the world. He spent his life savings on the 35-foot “Trude Zena” and set sail for New Zealand with arrangements to continue his career as an electrician once he got there.
He made it all the way to the Mediterranean, and then the Black Sea, before the Russians abducted him.
What Happened?
Upon arriving in the Mediterranean Sea, Chuck decided to make a quick detour and explore the Black Sea before navigating the Suez Canal. On June 17, 2025, almost immediately upon entering the Black Sea via the Bosphorus Strait, the Russian Navy intercepted him in international waters.
Chuck texted his sister during the incident and said he was directed to follow them under threat of military force. He sent her a photo of a Russian Navy frigate trailing his vessel. He was escorted for approximately 22 hours before ultimately reaching the Russian port of Sochi. That travel time and trajectory definitely substantiate that Chuck was illegally confronted in international waters.
Upon arrival in Sochi, Chuck’s boat was inspected by the Russian Coast Guard. He voluntarily declared a firearm onboard his boat for self-protection — a common practice by sailors traversing the globe. Chuck willingly surrendered the firearm upon request.
Chuck thought he would be free to leave after the inspection of his boat and perhaps a fine. However, he was eventually arrested on arms smuggling charges and has since been sentenced to five years imprisonment.
WHAT’S BEING DONE TO BRING CHUCK HOME
Given that Chuck is believed to be held hostage by Russia, Chuck’s sister, Robin Stultz, has been in contact with the American Citizen Services section of the US Embassy in Moscow, as well as the FBI. The FBI advised that, given the status of Chuck likely being wrongfully detained, the State Department is the lead entity for this matter. Robin is engaging with the offices of Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA-6), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA).
Additionally, Robin regularly communicates with Chuck’s court-appointed Russian attorney. As of 3 November 2025, an appeal was pending in the Russian courts, but Russia has a well-documented track record of denying appeals and even adding time to a sentence for those who appeal.
Chuck has been held by the Russians since June 19, 2025. He needs our help to amplify his story and to advocate for our elected officials in Washington to bring him home. Please sign up below for updates on how you can help: