The Odessa regional prosecutor's office has charged a former city councilman with treason for acting in favor of the aggressor state.

He is accused of treason, war propaganda, and justifying the armed aggression of Russia against Ukraine through mass media (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-councilman moved to Russia in 2014, where he actively worked against Ukraine's sovereignty.

On February 24, 2022, the day of Russia's full-scale invasion, the suspect joined Russian forces in the temporarily occupied territory of Kyiv region, assisting the enemy with local navigation and spreading Kremlin narratives among civilians.

The ex-councilman actively used his Telegram channel to post messages openly calling on Ukrainian soldiers to surrender and not resist. He justified Russia's aggression, reported on the occupation, and disseminated misinformation.

The suspect also gave an interview to a prominent Russian YouTube blogger, where he openly acknowledged his collaboration with the occupiers and claimed that Ukraine had no chance of victory.

He is currently wanted.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine in the 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.