According to the SBU investigation, a resident of Zakarpattia region was sentenced to 12 years in prison. He campaigned for decisions that threaten the constitutional order and territorial integrity of our country.

Law enforcement officers established that the offender repeatedly informed Russian mass media about his intentions to change administrative and territorial structure of Ukraine. He proposed to recreate the so-called Subcarpathian Rus'. Such territorial division is not provided for by the Ukrainian Constitution.

To implement his plans, the offender began to seek assistance in Russia to carry out subversive activities against Ukraine. Particularly, in early 2014, he asked the Russian President to conduct a peacekeeping operation to "restore the pre-Soviet status of the Subcarpathian Rus" and recognize its status. Afterwards, SBU investigators initiated criminal proceedings.

Among the published correspondence of Vladislav Surkov, a former aide to the Russian president, was found a plan to ensure the federal status of Zakarpattia region. It is identical to the one that SBU investigators seized during searches related to separatist movements in the region.

Law enforcement documented that in the summer of 2014, while in Russia, the offender developed a number of documents. There he outlined the steps how to prepare for the seizure of power in Zakarpattia region.

According to the "documents" seized during the searches, the man developed a scheme to intimidate government officials, seize office buildings and communications in Mukachevo, Uzhhorod, Khust cities. He also planned to create a "temporary government", block four roads and two railways, as well as seize the airport.

The pre-trial investigation established that the offender secretly wanted to deprive public authorities and local self-government of their power due to military take-over.

Within the criminal proceedings, the SBU identified accomplices who planned to implement a scenario. In particular, self-proclaimed "heads of law enforcement agencies", people involved in the recruitment of our compatriots. After a thorough inspection, those involved were prosecuted.

The offender is currently on the international wanted list. Now, he absconds in Russia. Thus, the trial was conducted in his absence.

Mukachevo City District Court of Zakarpattia Region found the criminal guilty of actions aimed at forceful change or overthrow of the constitutional order or take-over of government; trespass against territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine; high treason. The man was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

The judicial judgement came into force.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Office in Zakarpattia region under the supervision of Zakarpattia Region Prosecutor's Office.