Collaborator from Mykolaiv region avoids prison sentence

A resident of Mykolaiv region who justified Russian aggression against Ukraine and praised the occupiers was released from prison. His messages contained details of the movement of Ukrainian equipment and real facts of hostilities.

This is evidenced by the verdict of the Ochakiv City District Court of Mykolaiv Region.

The pensioner, a native of Kryve Ozero village in Mykolaiv region, was found guilty under Part 1 of Article 436-2 and Part 1 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. His actions were classified as denial of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of participants in this aggression and dissemination of classified information about the movement of Armed Forces weapons through the territory of Mykolaiv region.

The investigation found that between August and October 2024, the man sent messages to users via the Telegram messenger in which he justified and challenged the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, praised the actions of the Russian military and distributed propaganda materials. In particular, he wrote:

• "Everything is sad in the Sumy region... People are being taken to the rear en masse. I think they are grateful to Zelensky for his wise policy."
• "These fucking freaks sold out for 30 pieces of silver, sold God and themselves."
• "There is lawlessness and lawlessness in Ukraine! Scum with weapons in their hands rule the roost..."
• "Today there were explosions in Mykolaiv... apparently a downed rocket fell near the market."

The man also spoke about the movement of Ukrainian missile systems and weapons through the Ochakiv branch of Nibulon LLC, which, according to the investigation, posed a threat to state security.

During the court hearing, the accused pleaded guilty, sincerely repented and confirmed that he had changed his attitude towards Russian aggression. He voluntarily transferred financial assistance to the Armed Forces and assured the court that he would continue to support Ukraine.

The court sentenced him to 5 years in prison, but released him from serving the term with a probationary period of three years. During this period, the man is obliged to register with the probation office, report any change of place of residence or work, and not to travel outside Ukraine without permission. He also has to pay UAH 22,285 for a forensic linguistic examination.

In early August, a court in Mykolaiv, on the other hand, remanded in custody the director of a palace of creativity in Kherson region, who was accused of treason. According to the investigation, she facilitated the integration of the educational institution into the educational system of the aggressor state, supported the occupation authorities and formed a militaristic worldview among students.

Анна Бальчінос