Ukraine exposes suspects linked to justifying Russia’s actions PHOTO

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported the identification of two “online agitators” in Kharkiv and the Cherkasy region, accused of spreading “pro-Russian propaganda and justifying the actions of the Russian Federation.”

According to the SBU, in the Cherkasy region, a former seminarian of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) was identified. He posted materials on Facebook denying the full-scale invasion and justifying the actions of the Russian armed forces. Investigators claim he was part of the circle of a representative of the Cherkasy diocese, who had previously been served with multiple SBU suspicions.

In Kharkiv, the agency said that together with the State Border Guard Service, it identified a market vendor who distributed “pro-Russian content” in messaging apps and social networks, as well as posting related comments online. Linguistic examinations, according to the SBU, confirmed the unlawful nature of her actions. Both individuals have been formally notified of suspicion under articles related to the “justification of armed aggression by the Russian Federation” and face up to eight years in prison with confiscation of property.

Separately, the SBU announced a notice of suspicion in absentia against Mikhail Shatunov, a drone unit commander in the 1199th motor rifle regiment of the Russian Armed Forces. He is accused of involvement in strikes on the Dnipropetrovsk region, including Nikopol, using kamikaze drones.

According to the investigation, Shatunov was born in Sevastopol and joined Russian forces after the start of hostilities. He has been charged in absentia with treason and collaboration, with additional war crime qualifications under consideration. Efforts to locate and prosecute him are ongoing.

By Jeyhun Aghazada