In Zaporizhzhia region, former people’s deputy Yevhen Balytskyi, who had been elected a member of the regional council from the Opposition Bloc in 2020, has seen the full-scale russian invasion as a chance to realize his own political ambitions.

He not only sided with the enemy, but also enlisted their support in seizing power in the region. With the invaders’ help, he forced employees of local government and utility companies to recognize him as the head of the ‘military-civil administration of Zaporizhzhia region.’

The traitor publicly criticized the current Ukrainian government and prepared for the Victory Day celebrations on May 9. He also issued the order on the so-called ‘Temporary Organization of Public Order’, which requires residents of the region to form ‘civil squads’ to counter any anti-russian activities.

Another official is suspected of collaborating with ruscists in Kherson region. A member of Kherson regional council Vitaliy Buliuk offered himself as a candidate for a position of the head of the so-called ‘Kherson customs’.

He took the initiative to allegedly begin customs clearance of goods through ‘Kherson Customs’, which is now controlled by the invaders.

Currently, both traitors have been notified of suspicion under Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - collaborative activities.

They face up to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.