The SSU has uncovered new facts of information and subversive activities of the pro-kremlin blogger Anatoliy Shariy, which he carried out on the instructions of russian intelligence services.

The propagandist participated in preparation and dissemination of staged videos showing ruscists interrogating Ukrainian prisoners.

In particular, Shariy personally advised the FSB on how to film the interrogation and what questions to ask the prisoners of war. After the filming, he edited the video, cutting out parts that were ‘unfavourable’ for russia.

The aggressor state then used the ‘edited’ footage to artificially discredit Ukraine’s military and political leadership, including on the international arena.

According to the investigation, Shariy was engaged in covert cooperation by M.Yu. Kosenko, an officer of the FSB’s 5th service.

In communication with russian intelligence services, the blogger was assisted by an accomplice in the temporarily occupied Sevastopol.

He turned out to be the former head of the Main Office of the National Police in Vinnytsia region, Anton Shevtsov, who earlier this year had already been declared suspect.

The SSU documented that it was from him that Shariy had received videos of interrogations of two captured Ukrainian soldiers. After ‘editing’, the material was ‘agreed’ with the member of the russian special service.

Then, Shariy ‘supplemented the story’ with his comments, posted it on his online platforms and reported to his handlers by sending links to the publications.

However, in conversations with his accomplice, Shariy himself admits that, despite the editing, it was not possible to hide the prisoners’ poor condition. And relatives of Ukrainian defenders, who responded to the posted videos, asked not to film or torture their next of kin.

Based on the collected evidence, SSU investigators served Shariy a notice of suspicion under Articles 28.2 and 111.2 of the CCU (high treason committed under martial law, upon prior conspiracy by a group of persons).

Both suspects are fugitives from justice.

The SSU is acting to hold both offenders to account for crimes against Ukraine’s state security. They are facing life imprisonment.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Office in Vinnytsia region under the supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.

In February 2021, the SSU notified Shariy of suspicion under Articles 111.1 (high treason) and 161.1 (violation of equality of citizens based on their race, nationality, religious beliefs, disability and other grounds) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.