Based on evidence collected by the Security Service of Ukraine, former Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov has been convicted in absentia to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. The court found that the accused had committed high treason.

While hiding outside our country, the former official actively cooperates with russian intelligence services to carry out subversive activities in the interests of the kremlin.

Among other things, Azarov regularly spreads anti-Ukrainian narratives on moscow’s propaganda channels. During his speeches, he justifies russia’s armed aggression and the temporary occupation of part of Ukraine and spreads fake news about the socio-political situation in our country.

To disseminate his disinformation more widely, Azarov utilises his Telegram and YouTube channels, as well as his personal social media accounts.

According to the investigation, the former prime minister’s information resources were administered and provocative publications were prepared by his assistant, a former official of one of Kyiv’s district administrations.

She also remotely negotiated with representatives of russian media about the time and topics of Azarov’s participation in live broadcasts or recording of comments.

Before sending him talking points and publishing posts, the assistant agreed the materials with her former colleague from the state institution who had moved to moscow and worked for Azarov.

Based on the SSU’s investigation, the court found Azarov guilty under four Articles of the CCU:

• 111.2 (high treason, committed under martial law);
• 28.2, 109 (actions aimed at forceful change or overthrow of the constitutional order or seizure of state power, committed upon prior conspiracy);
• 110.2 (encroachment on territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine);
• 436-2.2 (justification, recognition as lawful, denial of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

One of his assistants has also been sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The investigation was carried out under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.