Under the supervision of the Odessa Regional Prosecutor's Office, a former member of the Odessa City Council has been charged in absentia for actions benefiting the aggressor state.

He is accused of state treason, war propaganda, and justifying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, committed using media outlets (Part 2 of Article 111, Article 436, Part 3 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

According to the investigation, the ex-council member left for Russia in 2014, where he actively worked against the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

On February 24, 2022, the day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the suspect joined the Russian military on the temporarily occupied territory of Kyiv region. He assisted the enemy in navigating the area and spread Kremlin narratives among the local population.

The former council member actively utilized his Telegram channel, where he published messages openly calling on Ukrainian soldiers to surrender and not resist. In his posts, he justified the aggression of the Russian Federation, reported on the progress of the occupation, and disseminated misinformation.

Additionally, the suspect gave an interview to a well-known Russian YouTube blogger, where he openly admitted to collaborating with the occupiers and claimed that Ukraine supposedly had no chance of victory.

He is currently wanted.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by the SBU Department in Odessa region.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.