The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has served suspicion notices to six captured occupants, including the bodyguard of Russian propagandist Zakhar Prilepin.
These are militants who fought against Ukraine and were captured during battles on the Pokrovske, Siverske and Toretske directions at the end of 2024, the SBU said.
One of the defendants is a 32-year-old Russian who guarded Prilepin during his trips to the occupied territories of Luhansk region. Even before the full-scale invasion, he joined the Zorya battalion of the LPR terrorist organization and fought against the Ukrainian military, in particular during the storming of Luhansk region.
Other suspects include three residents of Luhansk region who, as part of the 88th and 2nd motorized rifle brigades of the Russian Federation, participated in the capture of Siverskodonetsk, Lysychansk and Rubizhne, as well as in the assault on Bakhmut. During the battles for Bilohorivka and Verkhnekamianske, they were captured.
Two more suspects are residents of the occupied Donetsk region. One of them was on duty at checkpoints in Horlivka and later fought in the areas of Bakhmut and Pokrovsk. The other served in the 123rd Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Russian Federation, shelling Ukrainian positions near Pisky and Ozaryanivka. Both surrendered near Toretsk in December 2024.
The five suspects are accused of treason and collaboration. The Russian is charged with participation in a terrorist organization and encroachment on the territorial integrity of Ukraine. All face 15 years to life in prison.