20 June 2026
(Vandalized graves. PHOTO: mk.npu.gov.ua)
In the Mykolaiv region, a court handed down a sentence to a soldier who vandalized a cemetery in Voznesensk. The man damaged dozens of graves, broke crosses, and toppled headstones, and was sentenced to actual prison time.
This was reported by Intent, citing the ruling of the Veselynivka District Court.
According to the investigation, on the evening of June 1, 2025, the man went to the “Progress” cemetery in Voznesensk. There, he began vandalizing graves: he toppled headstones, broke wooden crosses, knocked over flower pots, and smashed flower vases. At least 14 graves in various sections of the cemetery were damaged.
The damage was discovered by relatives of the deceased, who contacted the police. People reported broken monuments, uprooted crosses, and desecrated graves of their loved ones. During an inspection of the cemetery, investigators recorded the aftermath of the vandalism and documented all the damage.
The suspect was identified thanks to video footage and eyewitness testimony. In court, the man fully admitted his guilt. He stated that he had been drinking alcohol with acquaintances that day and could hardly remember the details of his actions. He was unable to explain why he began vandalizing the graves.
The judge took into account that the defendant had no prior criminal record but saw no grounds for a more lenient sentence. The defendant had not compensated for the damages caused and had not shown sincere remorse. Additionally, his performance evaluation from his military unit was negative.
As a result, the court found the serviceman guilty of desecrating a grave out of hooliganism and sentenced him to four years in prison.
Also in Mykolaiv, a man was convicted for using Telegram during the war to transmit information about the locations of Ukrainian military units and to disseminate pro-Russian content. This information helped the enemy track military facilities and the movements of the Defense Forces.
Анна Бальчінос