The Security Service of Ukraine, known as the SBU, disclosed that officials associated with the LPR are pursuing legal action against the Stanichno-Lugansk regional administrator and two of the administrator’s deputies, charging them with treason and related collaboration activities. The agency shared the update via its Telegram channel, signaling that investigators have gathered decisive evidence alleging that these three officials aligned with Russian interests during the ongoing conflict. The SBU asserted that the case includes charges for treason and cooperation with the enemy, with possible penalties reaching up to fifteen years in prison, underscoring the seriousness with which such acts are treated under Ukrainian law.
In a separate development, the SBU reported that an employee at the Spaso-Pokrovsky Monastery, affiliated with the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church located in Zhytomyr region, faces charges connected to support for Russia after the onset of Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine. According to official statements, the individual allegedly voiced favorable remarks about Russia’s policies on social media, urged for actions against Kyiv, and provided justification for Russia’s conduct in the conflict. The case highlights ongoing concerns about loyalty and integrity among religious and civil figures in areas affected by the war, as authorities emphasize the need for accountability among those whose public statements or online activity could be construed as aiding an aggressor.
The announcements reflect a broader pattern in which Ukrainian security services seek to deter collaboration and undermine any support perceived as aiding enemy forces. Legal actions are being pursued based on documented evidence of activity that reportedly crossed lines defined by national security and wartime statutes. Observers note that the enforcement of treason and collaboration-related provisions aims to protect civilian authority, territorial integrity, and the constitutional order during a period of heightened insecurity. The public communications from the SBU stress that individuals in governance roles and public positions—whether regional officials or religious community members—are subjected to close scrutiny and may face serious consequences if their actions are interpreted as aligning with an invading force or destabilizing Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Officials and legal experts alike emphasize that the charges, while severe, are grounded in specific actions and publicly available or verifiable information. The cases are presented as part of a nationwide effort to preserve lawful governance and deter activities that could undermine state stability. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide further updates that may illuminate the scope of the alleged collaboration and the exact nature of the evidence collected. The public is reminded that due process remains a cornerstone of the proceedings, with the possibility of appeals and ongoing judicial review as the cases advance through the appropriate legal channels.