Biography
"I have always been looking for God," said Vitaliy Astakhov, a resident of Chita. Spiritual issues occupied an important place in his life from childhood. In March 2026, he and his wife Anastasiya became defendants in a criminal case for their religious beliefs.
Vitaliy was born in Chita. He was the only child in the family. His mother and grandmother were engaged in his upbringing.
From a young age, Vitaliy showed an interest in creativity. He wrote and continues to write poems, songs, and stories. Sports play a significant role in his daily life: he regularly visits the gym, which, according to him, helps to "keep me in good shape and stay healthy."
After graduating from school, the young man immediately began his career. He mastered the profession of a hairdresser, later became a barber. With his wife, they opened their own salon, where they work together.
Since childhood, Vitaliy has been interested in biblical teachings. He discussed the issues that arose with his grandmother's sister. Over time, he began to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. According to Vitaliy, this book had a noticeable impact on his life and character: "I stopped fighting, swearing, being lazy; It has become easier to deal with stuttering, which I have been suffering from since childhood. Studying the Bible helped me develop only positive qualities, but it did not call me to extremism in any way." In September 2014, Vitaliy Astakhov was baptized.
In 2021, he married Anastasiya. His wife shares his life values.
In March 2026, a criminal case was initiated against the Astakhovs. "During the search, they forced me to tell the password, stepped on my knee on my face, hit the wall four times," Vitaliy shared. The events experienced affected the whole family: against the background of stress, his grandmother had a stroke; her left arm was paralyzed.