A member of the “Sevastopol Self-Defense” group will stand trial for aiding the occupiers in seizing the fleet

Prosecutors filed an indictment with the court against a Sevastopol resident who, in 2014, joined the illegal armed group "Sevastopol Self-Defense" and assisted Russian military personnel in seizing Ukrainian military facilities. 

This was reported by the press service of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol.

According to the investigation, in February 2014, the man voluntarily joined the “Rubizh” Volunteer People’s Militia. This group was one of the units of the illegal “Sevastopol Self-Defense,” which supported pro-Russian movements and assisted Russian military forces during the occupation of the peninsula.

Together with other members of the unit, the man helped establish control over the premises, facilities, and the checkpoint of the Ukrainian Navy Command.

He also participated in the armed blockade of the small anti-submarine ship “Khmelnytskyi.” According to the investigation, these actions facilitated the seizure of the ship’s crew and its technical equipment.

As a result of the actions of members of the illegal group, strategically important military facilities came under the control of the occupying forces and were removed from Ukraine’s control.

In addition, according to the investigation, the defendant helped guard polling stations during the illegal Crimea-wide “referendum.” The Russian authorities used this referendum to create the appearance of legitimacy for the occupation of Crimea.

The man was charged with participating in an illegal armed group and, as part of it, carrying out attacks on enterprises, institutions, and organizations; infringing upon Ukraine’s territorial integrity; and committing treason. 

Prosecutors have filed an indictment with the court. If found guilty, the member of the illegal group faces up to 15 years in prison.

Анна Літман