Three detained in Ukraine for supporting Russian airstrikes, occupation photo

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained three more alleged Russian agents who justified Russia’s actions and called for the seizure of all of Ukraine.

According to the SBU, a local doctor was identified in the city of Cherkasy who, on his Facebook page, supported the temporary occupation of Ukraine’s eastern regions. He also defended Russian air strikes against civilian infrastructure in Cherkasy. In particular, he justified the missile attack on a hotel in the city centre on September 21, 2023, which left civilians injured and nearly destroyed the building.

Another woman was also detained in Cherkasy for praising Russia’s actions and the occupation of Crimea. Investigators say she spread propaganda among her colleagues at a local factory.

In the Kharkiv region, authorities detained a 29-year-old draft evader who had been hiding from mobilization and posting pro-Russian comments in anonymous Telegram channels. In his publications, he called for new large-scale missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and for the physical elimination of the leadership of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

During searches, law enforcement officers seized smartphones and computers from the suspects. A linguistic examination confirmed evidence of information and subversive activities.

The SBU has brought charges against the detained individuals under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, including actions aimed at the violent change or overthrow of the constitutional order or seizure of state power, as well as justification, recognition as lawful, or denial of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and the glorification of its participants.

The suspects face up to eight years in prison with confiscation of property.