The SSU documented subversive activities of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra staff driver, who denied russia’s armed aggression and justified the occupation of Ukrainian territories.

In a commentary to one of the national TV channels in April 2023, the suspect called the temporarily seized Crimea ‘russia’s’ and the borders of our country ‘unregistered’.

He also told the journalist that ‘putin did not start the war’ against Ukraine and called the deaths of civilians from russian air strikes ‘reasonable’.

According to the investigation, already in the first months of the full-scale invasion the 56-year-old driver supported russian occupiers and denied their war crimes.

The SSU-initiated linguistic examination confirmed the facts of the suspect’s criminal activities against Ukraine.

Based on the collected evidence, the SSU notified him of suspicion under Article 436-2.1 of the CCU (justification, recognition as lawful, denial of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

Court is to decide on a measure of restraint. The investigation is ongoing.

The SSU Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region is working on the case under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.