A propaganda story cost a forester from the Kherson region 15 years in prison

A forester from the Kherson region voluntarily began working for a company established by the invaders during the occupation. Subsequently, he not only assisted the occupiers but also publicly supported Russian propaganda.

This was reported by the press office of the Kherson Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

As prosecutors determined, in January 2023, the man voluntarily became a leading specialist at the “Skadovsk Forestry and Hunting Enterprise,” a “state autonomous institution of the Kherson region” illegally established by the occupying authorities.

Prior to the full-scale invasion, he worked as a forester. In his new position, the man used scientific and technical expertise, as well as operational experience in forestry acquired in Ukraine, for the benefit of the Russian Federation.

His collaboration with the occupying authorities was also confirmed by former colleagues. According to them, at the beginning of the occupation, the institution’s employees were required to work remotely; however, they later learned of the man’s activities on the side of the invaders from pro-Russian Telegram channels.

In particular, the convicted man participated in the filming of propaganda videos as a speaker. In these videos, he spoke about the alleged expansion of forest areas in the occupied territory.

The court sentenced the man to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. He was also barred for 15 years from holding positions in government bodies or engaging in activities related to the provision of public services.

The verdict was handed down in absentia. The man will begin serving his sentence upon his actual arrest.

Also in August, Vasyl Malik, the head of an agricultural enterprise in the Kherson region, was sentenced for collaborating with Russian entities during the occupation. From March 2023 to August 2024, the enterprise cultivated land in the occupied territory of the Henichesk district. To carry out its operations, the company cooperated with Russian authorities, and the produce was sold.

Анна Бальчінос