A deputy from a pro-Russian political party who collaborated with the enemy during the occupation of Kupiansk district will be tried.

Source: Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office

The Kupiansk District Prosecutor’s Office of Kharkiv Region approved and sent to court an indictment against the deputy on the fact of collaboration (Part 5 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The prosecutor’s office and other law enforcement agencies continue systematic and consistent work to expose those who assisted the enemy in the occupied territories.

According to the investigation, during the seizure of Kupiansk district, a deputy of the Velykyy Burluk village council from the banned in Ukraine political party “Opposition Platform – For Life” supported the actions of the Russian invaders and cooperated with them.

The woman voluntarily took up the position of pro-Kremlin “acting assistant head of the Velykyy Burluk territorial department of the Temporary Civil Administration of the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv region”.

The collaborator was responsible for providing urban amenities for Shypuvate village and participating in meetings led by the occupation administration, following the instructions of representatives of the Russian Federation and holding meetings of residents.

The investigation was conducted jointly with investigators of the Kupiansk District Police Department of the Kharkiv Region National Police under the operational support of the SSU Office in Kharkiv Region.

The sanction of the article provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for 5 to 10 years with disqualification to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for 10 to 15 years, with or without confiscation of property.

Under Art. 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and shall not be subjected to criminal punishment until his or her guilt is proved by the law and established by a court verdict of guilty.

Ukraine banned pro-Russian party of Putin friend Medvedchuk in June 2022

The pro-Russian Opposition Platform – For Life (OPZZh) political party, led by Viktor Medvedchuk, a Kremlin-friendly politician currently in jail, has been banned by a court in Kyiv.

  • On June 20, 2022 the Administrative Court of Appeals No. 8 decided, and the Justice Ministry issued a statement. As a result, the party’s property and assets will be confiscated by the State Treasury.
  • In April 2022, Medvedchuk was apprehended by Ukrainian law enforcement for violating his house arrest and attempting to flee to Russia.
  • Medvedchuk, the leader of OPZZh, has been under arrest since last year on charges of treason and financing terrorism. He denies these allegations, asserting that they are politically motivated.
  • Medvedchuk, 68, is known for his close association with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has even vacationed with Putin and made him the godfather of his child. Forbes estimates his fortune at approximately $620 million, including Russia’s energy assets.
  • In February 2021, Ukraine imposed sanctions on Medvedchuk, resulting in the freezing of his assets. Additionally, three television stations accused of promoting Russian propaganda and believed to be under his control were taken off the air.

After being exchanged as a prisoner with Russia in September 2022, Medvedchuk, who has familial connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has recently conducted a significant television interview. This marks his first public appearance since the exchange. In a clear indication of his political resurgence, he unveiled his new political initiative—a Ukrainian government in exile.

See also

  • Ex-deputy of Kharkiv city council to be tried for collaboration. The indictment was filed against the 57-year-old former deputy of Kharkiv City Council from the Party of Regions, Igor Telyatnikov, who served as the so-called pro-Kremlin “acting head of the military-civilian administration of the Kharkiv district.”
  • War crimes in Kharkiv Oblast: 37 Russian servicemen notified of suspicion. Crimes committed by the military personnel of the aggressor state and representatives of Russian private military companies must not go unpunished.