A court in Mykolaiv has authorized the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to investigate, in absentia, the case of a suspect accused of collaboration who allegedly headed the occupying territorial unit on the left bank of the Kherson region.
This is stated in a ruling by the Central District Court of Mykolaiv.
According to the investigation, in 2024 he voluntarily agreed to head the so-called Gavrylivka Territorial Division of the Kalanchak Municipal District. This structure was created by the occupying administration.
The department covered five villages: Gavrylivka Druha, Babenkova Persha, Oleksandrivka, Oleksiyivka, and Primorske. The suspect is charged under Part 5 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (collaboration).
Investigators stated that in this position, the suspect managed the department’s operations, met with local residents, and assisted with employment issues, document processing, and interactions with Russian institutions.
In addition, according to law enforcement officials, the man organized festive events involving representatives of the occupation administration. Specifically, in June 2025, he participated in an event marking Russia Day, and in August of that same year, he took part in the celebration of Russian Federation National Flag Day.
Among the evidence cited by law enforcement were posts on the occupation administration’s Telegram channel, witness testimony, and an expert’s report.
On October 8, 2026, he was notified that he was suspected of collaboration and was placed on the wanted list. According to the court, he is currently in the temporarily occupied territory on the left bank of the Kherson region. The Security Service of Ukraine petitioned the court to authorize a special pretrial investigation.
Ultimately, the court agreed with the investigators’ arguments and granted permission for an in absentia investigation. This means that investigators will be able to continue procedural actions without the man’s presence.
Under the charges brought against him, he faces 5 to 10 years in prison.
Ірина Глухова
