From a dormitory superintendent to a deputy: an official of the occupiers was arrested in Kherson region

The court arrested the head of the sports department of the occupation administration in Kherson region. He organized sporting events and public events in support of Russia.

This is evidenced by the decision of the Central District Court of Mykolaiv.

Law enforcement officers found that a resident of the Velykokopanivska community in Kherson district voluntarily took the position of "head of the sports department" in the so-called administration of the Oleshky municipal district, controlled by Russia. According to the investigation, he performed organizational, administrative and economic functions, ensuring the work of the illegal authority in the temporarily occupied territory.

The suspect actively popularized and legitimized the occupation authorities by participating in public events and sports tournaments organized by representatives of the United Russia party. In particular, in August 2024, he held a mini-football competition dedicated to the Day of the Airborne Troops, and in April 2025, he held sports competitions in the district. On September 2, 2024, he publicly received a letter of commendation from the occupation administration "For the development of football in the Kherson region" within the framework of the federal project "Sport is the norm of life!" for implementing the standards of the aggressor country in the field of sports.

Evidence of his activities is confirmed by numerous inspection reports, witness interviews, identification photographs, and a forensic portrait examination. The pre-trial investigation established that the suspect is permanently residing in the temporarily occupied territory of the left-bank part of Kherson region. The court ordered to arrest the suspect after his detention.

Vitaliy Makarenko received a suspicion from the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine in October 2025. As Intent wrote, in April 2024, he was registered as a candidate for the illegal "Council of Deputies of the Aleshkin Municipal District". After being elected, he held receptions for residents, participated in propaganda events, and organized food supplies for Russian troops, for which he received awards from the occupation authorities.

Before the invasion, he was the commander of the dormitories in Oleshky. If proven guilty, he faces up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The resident of Kherson region also went to work for the occupation police of the Russian Federation. The court found her guilty of collaboration and sentenced her to imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Анна Бальчінос