SBU issues suspicion notices to two "DNR people's militia" propagandists

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) issued suspicion notices to two press office employees of the so-called "DPR people's militia" for collaborationism, reports the press office of the SBU HQ in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

According to the SBU, the suspects produced and distributed content justifying the war and whitewashing Russia. Both cooperated with the occupation structure after the start of the full-scale invasion. As special correspondents, they produced news and media content in support of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"The 'reports' filmed by the 'journalists' with the Russian IAG (illegal armed group. – Ed.) in the combat area were aimed to spread propaganda and distort the real events in the east and south of Ukraine," the SBU notes.

The two suspects. Photos by the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office, collage by the IMI

Namely, one of the suspects posted misleading videos about the Azovstal attacks and the battles for Svitlodarsk and Pisky on his Telegram channel. He also provided "media escort" to the "people's militia" operatives during their assault on populated areas of Donetsk oblast, the SBU notes.

The second man cooperated with the occupiers in Kherson oblast. He reported on the occupiers' offensive on Kherson, and the militants' involvement in the sham referendum and made up lies about the crimes of "Ukrainian nationalists", the SBU writes.

"All produced videos were distributed through pro-Kremlin online platforms and social media, created for propaganda purposes to influence the Russian audience and residents of the temporarily occupied territories," the SBU adds.

Both men were notified of suspicion of collaborationism, namely media activity benefitting the occupiers (Part 6 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). They face 12 years in prison with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for 15 years and confiscation of property.

According to the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office, the two are wanted.

Earlier, former lawyer and Russian propagandist Tetyana Montian was deprived of the right to practice law in Ukraine.