A man who called on Russians to "liberate" the city was put on trial in Odesa

A court found an Odessa resident guilty of posting messages on Telegram that justified Russia’s aggression and called on the occupiers to “liberate” Odessa. He was sentenced to 5 years, but he will not serve time in prison.

This is stated in the verdict of the Primorsky District Court of Odessa.

According to the case file, between April and July 2022, the man posted messages on public Telegram channels in support of the Russian army and the war against Ukraine. He called on Russian troops to capture Odesa, supported the continuation of hostilities, and published statements that disparaged Ukrainians and their quest for independence.

In particular, in a post dated April 8, 2022, the Odessa resident addressed Russian soldiers: “Guys, come back from battle alive and unharmed! You still have to liberate Odessa!”

In another post dated May 26, 2022, he wrote: “May you rest in eternal peace, brave Russian soldier!”

The court found the man guilty under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The first concerns inciting ethnic hatred and humiliating national dignity; the second concerns justifying Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and glorifying its participants.

The man pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. The parties agreed on the facts of the case, so the court did not examine the evidence separately.

For the first charge, he was sentenced to two years in prison; for the second, five years. The final sentence was five years in prison.

In addition, the man was barred from working in the civil service and in local government for three years.

However, he will not go to prison. The court suspended his sentence for a three-year probationary period.

The court also took into account that the Odessa resident donated 250,000 hryvnias to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is confirmed by a payment dated March 17, 2025. The court found no aggravating circumstances.

Ірина Глухова