A 47-year-old associate professor at a local university will stand trial in Kharkiv for openly justifying Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine and dreaming of obtaining Russian citizenship, the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office reported.
The investigation found that the man repeatedly expressed an anti-Ukrainian position, claiming that Ukraine as a state should be destroyed, and also spoke disparagingly about Ukrainian patriots. He actively voiced his views both in professional circles and in everyday communication.
“Life is good in Russia,” the defendant claimed, and waited with hope for the “liberation” of Kharkiv by Russian troops. He publicly stated that after that he would immediately move to the so-called “greater Russia.” In addition, the associate professor accused the Armed Forces of Ukraine of shelling residential buildings and supported the actions of the aggressor country.
During a search of his residence, law enforcement officers found Russian currency, equipment, and other evidence of his anti-Ukrainian activities. The examination confirmed that the man's statements contain signs of denial and justification of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The associate professor is awaiting trial in the Slobodskyi District Court of Kharkiv. He is charged with violations under Part 1 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - justification, recognition as lawful, denial of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. This is punishable by restriction or imprisonment.
