Following the SSU Counterintelligence investigations, three militants of illegal armed formations of the so-called L/DNR were sentenced in absentia to 9, 10 and 11 years in prison.

During 2014-2018, these three individuals actively participated in hostilities against the Armed Forces of Ukraine and even held ‘command positions’, instructed terrorists and recruited new members.

The investigation established that one of the convicts was a native of Cherkasy region, had lived in Russia for a long time and joined the Prizrak terrorist group at the beginning of the armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

The individual has been a member of sniper groups of this IAF, as well as a machine gunner and instructor on combat tactics.

Another militant has commanded a battalion of the 4th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 2nd Army Corps of the so-called People's Militia of LNR since 2015. Under his leadership, mercenaries participated in armed resistance to the ATO/JFO units. In addition, the commander recruited new members to the terrorist organization.

The investigators have also established the identity of the gunner-driver of the enemy tank battalion, who has taken part in battles in Donetsk and Luhansk regions since 2018.

The mercenary shelled Ukrainian positions and took part in the capture of Debaltseve and settlements in its vicinity.

The court found all three militants guilty of committing a crime under Article 258-3.1 of the CCU (creation of a terrorist group or terrorist organization). The verdicts came into force.

Currently, two convicts are hiding from justice in the temporarily occupied territory, one is in Russia. They have been declared wanted.

The pre-trial investigation was carried out by the SSU Office in Cherkasy region under the supervision of Cherkasy Region Prosecutor’s Office.

The SSU continues to expose members of illegal armed groups, detain and prosecute them for crimes against Ukraine’s state security.