A member of the Kherson Regional Council accused of collaboration was released from pretrial detention on bail of one million

Valery Saltikov, a member of the Kherson Regional Council from the “European Solidarity” party, who is suspected of aiding an aggressor state and engaging in collaborationist activities, was released from custody after posting bail.

This was reported by the Center for Public Investigations, citing the deputy’s attorney, Mykhailo Velychko.

According to the investigation, after the occupation of part of the Kherson region, Saltikov remained in Kakhovka and re-registered two companies he controlled under Russian law—“Kakhovka Specialized Motor Transport Enterprise-2107” and “Graal South.”

Law enforcement officials claimed that on June 1, 2022, he was appointed interim head of several agricultural enterprises in the Kakhovka district. According to the investigation, he applied to the occupation administration for permits to cultivate land, paid funds into the occupation authorities’ budget, and organized the operations of the enterprises during the occupation.

In addition, beginning in late 2023, the deputy headed the companies “Vostok-Agro” and “Agrinita,” which had also been re-registered under Russian law. According to law enforcement officials, these companies paid taxes to the Russian budget, received subsidies from the occupation administration, and the suspect managed their operations and received compensation for doing so. According to the investigation, he controlled at least eight enterprises in total. 

On May 22, 2026, SBU officers detained Valery Saltikov in Odesa after his return to Ukraine. He was informed that he was suspected of collaboration.

The court had previously extended the pretrial investigation until August 22, 2026. His detention was also extended until that date, but he was granted release on bail of 998,400 hryvnias.

As reported by Intent, in early July, the defense requested a change in the preventive measure. The attorney argued that Saltykov has a permanent residence, has no prior criminal record, is raising a young child, suffers from chronic illnesses, and that his elderly mother is undergoing treatment in Germany.

Additionally, less than two weeks after the charges were announced, Saltykov transferred 11 real estate properties in Kyiv to his daughter, Alina Radion. These include an apartment measuring over 206 square meters, four parking spaces, and six non-residential premises.

Анна Бальчінос