The SSU has collected irrefutable evidence proving the guilt of another three members of the terrorist organisations ‘L/DNR’.

After the start of the full-scale invasion, they joined the occupation groupings of russia’s Southern military district.

Serving there, they took part in storming towns in the east of Ukraine.

Ukrainian defenders took the militants prisoner during combat near Bakhmut and Avdiivka.

Based on the SSU’s investigation, the court sentenced the accused to 12 years in prison.

One of the convicts is a tank gunner-operator of the 3rd separate motorised rifle brigade 'Berkut' with the call sign 'Svetlyak'.

‘Svetlyak’ took part in warfare against the Defence Forces in Donetsk region and shelled residential areas and energy facilities.

In February 2023, his unit was redeployed to Novobakhmutivka. There, part of the enemy group was destroyed by Ukrainian defenders, and the militant himself was captured.

Another convicted militant is a shooter who fought against the ATO forces as part of the ‘LNR’s people’s militia’ back in 2016.

After 24 February 2022, he shelled settlements on the eastern front, and in December was captured near the village of Spirne, Bakhmut district.

The third convict voluntarily joined the ‘DNR ministry of defence’ in May 2014.

After the start of the full-scale invasion, the militant took part in storming Verkhniotoretsk.

Based on the evidence collected, the court found the accused guilty under four Articles of the CCU:

• 110.2 (encroachment on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and inviolability);
• 111.1 (high treason);
• 260.2 (participation in unlawful paramilitary or armed formations);
• 258-3.1 (participation in a terrorist group or terrorist organisation).

The SSU emphasises the inevitability of punishment for crimes against our state.

The SSU Office in Donetsk and Luhansk regions conducted the investigation under the supervision of Donetsk Region Prosecutor’s Office.