The SSU Counterintelligence has detained a former member of Mykolaiv city council who was preparing for arrival of the ‘russian world’. Tasked by russian special services, he developed the concept of the ‘Mykolaiv People’s Republic’, which later had to ‘join’ the russian federation.

The man prepared documentary, legal and socio-political ‘justification’ for creation and functioning of a fake republic in the region.

According to the documents seized from the suspect during the search, Mykolayiv region had to declare its withdrawal from the jurisdiction and administrative composition of Ukraine and declare itself the ‘Mykolayiv People’s Republic’ (MNR).

It was planned to switch to Russian language within a month, create the republic’s own ‘coat of arms, flag and anthem.’ The ‘MNR’ was supposed to exist only during the ‘special military operation.’

‘And after its completion, the MNR will petition Russian leadership to include the MNR in the Russian Federation as a separate region (federal subject),’ reads the concept developed by the detainee.

The enemy agent also planned to introduce russian ruble in the pseudo-republic, to reorganize education and health care systems following the russian model, while the cultural branch would operate ‘on the principles and foundations of the ideas of the Russian world."

According to the investigation, russians promised the agent one of leading positions in pseudo-formation if they manage to capture Mykolaiv region. That’s why, the suspect not only developed ‘concepts’, but also fed the enemy with information on the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Mykolaiv.

During the search, irrefutable evidence of his involvement in unlawful activity was seized:

• texting with representatives of russian special services;
• russian and soviet symbols;
• personal notes on the creation and operation of the so-called ‘MNR.’

Currently, the agent has been detained and notified of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the CCU (treason).

The investigation is underway.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Mykolaiv Office under the procedural supervision of Mykolaiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in line with the procedure defined by law and established by a relevant court’s verdict.