Under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General, a deputy of the Kharkiv City Council of the VIII convocation has been notified of suspicion of treason and failure to submit declarations, as a person authorized to perform state or local government functions (part 1 of Article 111, Article 366-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

According to the investigation, during the years 2021–2024, this deputy, using his own authority and influence over supporters of the political party "OPZZH" in the Kharkiv region and beyond, publicly disseminated pro-Russian statements. He intentionally assisted the Russian Federation and its representatives in conducting subversive activities, spreading statements aimed at promoting and inciting pro-Russian sentiments in Ukrainian society, detrimental to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability, as well as the state, economic, and information security of Ukraine.

Also, in 2021–2024, being a local government official and a subject of declaration, the deputy intentionally failed to submit mandatory annual declarations for the relevant years, despite the requirements of the law.

Furthermore, as established by the investigation, the suspect left for the Russian Federation in 2023, where he is currently hiding from justice.

The sanction of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine provides for punishment of up to 15 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Operational support is provided by the employees of the State Bureau of Investigations.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court verdict.