On June 20, 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine detained the journalist on suspicion of pro -Russian propaganda.
According to Tribuna.com, it is about Cyril Stadnichenko - the former editor of the sports department of the newspaper "Economic News", as well as an employee of the UNIAN agency and sports sites "Telegraph" and "Champion", which were part of the Ukrainian Truth Media Group. It is known that in the summer of 2024 he covered the Olympic Games in Paris.
The SBU reports that Stadnichenko published a posts with calls for bombardment of Ukrainian cities, as well as statements to support the seizure of Kiev by Russian troops through anonymous telegrams. According to the investigation, the journalist justified the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and spread materials with signs of public calls for a violent change of the constitutional order.
He has now been detained, he is in custody. Investigators reported Stadnichenko of suspicion immediately under three articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
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Part 1 of Art. 114-1-obstruction of the legitimate activity of the Armed Forces in a special period;
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h. 2, 3 tbsp. 436-2-justification, recognition legitimate and glorification of armed aggression of the Russian Federation;
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Part 2 of Art. 109 - Public calls for the violent change of the constitutional order of Ukraine.
In case of guilt, the journalist faces up to eight years in prison with possible confiscation of property.
The SBU does not exclude that Stadnichenko acted in coordination with foreign structures. The investigation is ongoing.
