Educators from Kherson region are suspected of propaganda to children

In Kherson region, three collaborators who helped the occupiers impose Russian order in education and local life were exposed. Their activities included propaganda, pressure on parents and participation in a pseudo-referendum - now all three have been served suspicion notices.

This was reported by the press service of the SBU Office in Kherson region.

The Security Service of Ukraine has established the involvement of three people in cooperation with the Russian occupation forces in the temporarily occupied territory of Kherson region. According to the investigation, they actively helped the enemy to strengthen control over the region, in particular through the education system and participation in the political processes of the occupation administration.

Two of the suspects voluntarily agreed to head educational institutions created by the occupiers. These are schools organized on the basis of Ukrainian educational institutions in the Genichesk and Skadovsk districts. In these positions, they actually rebuilt the educational process according to Russian standards: they registered the institutions with the occupation structures, recruited staff, introduced Russian textbooks, and ensured that all documentation was kept in Russian.

In addition, Russian propaganda was actively introduced in schools: they placed symbols of the aggressor country, organized the performance of its anthem and flag raising. One of the defendants spoke in pro-Russian media, where he thanked the occupation authorities for the resumption of the educational process. He also created a pseudo-school page on the VKontakte social network, through which he distributed materials with Russian ideological content aimed at children.

The other suspect campaigned among parents, convincing them to send their children to such schools. In case of refusal, she resorted to threats, including the possible deprivation of parental rights. In addition, the woman organized events dedicated to supporting the occupation policy, including propaganda for the "accession" of Crimea to the Russian Federation. On her initiative, a "cadet class" was created, where students were taught Russian symbols, legislation and forced to wear military-style uniforms.

The third defendant cooperated with the occupation administration as an assistant to the so-called gauleiter in the Chornobaiv community. He was involved in organizing political events, distributing humanitarian aid from the occupiers, helping to repair Russian military equipment, and participating in an illegal referendum. He also exerted pressure on local residents with a pro-Ukrainian position and was involved in the dismantling of memorial plaques in honor of fallen Ukrainian defenders.

Currently, all three people have been notified in absentia of suspicion of collaboration and aiding the aggressor state. They face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

In February, law enforcement officers detained a resident of Yalta in Kyiv region. She is suspected of collaboration for teaching Ukrainian schoolchildren according to Russian educational standards.

Анна Бальчінос