Pro-Russian Supporter Sentenced to 12 Years in Vinnytsia for Propaganda

Ukrainian Court Sentences Pro-Russian Social Media Activist to 12 Years in Prison

A Ukrainian woman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of spreading pro-Russian propaganda and calling for the overthrow of Ukraine’s constitutional order, according to a ruling by the Vinnytsia City Court.

The court determined that the woman used social media platforms to disseminate content supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine. In her online publications, she explicitly called for the violent overthrow of Ukraine’s government, the forceful seizure of state power, and alterations to Ukraine’s territorial borders.

Court documents revealed the woman created and distributed videos containing pro-Russian messaging that justified Russia’s ongoing military invasion of Ukraine. According to the Vinnytsia City Court Press Service, she described events in Ukraine as “a bloody coup” and referred to Ukrainian authorities as a “neo-Nazi regime” – language that mirrors Kremlin propaganda used to justify Russia’s February 2022 full-scale invasion.

Despite being properly notified of the proceedings against her, the accused failed to appear at any of the scheduled court hearings, leading to a trial in absentia.

The court found the woman guilty of multiple serious offenses under Ukraine’s Criminal Code, including actions aimed at forcefully changing or overthrowing the constitutional order (Part 2 of Article 109), encroachment on Ukraine’s territorial integrity (Part 1 of Article 110), war propaganda (Article 436), and justification, recognition as lawful, or denial of Russian armed aggression against Ukraine (Parts 2 and 3 of Article 436-2), among other violations.

In addition to the 12-year prison term, the court ordered the confiscation of her property. She is also prohibited from holding positions related to organizing or conducting political events and engaging in information activities in cooperation with Russia for a period of 10 years following her imprisonment.

The verdict has not yet taken legal effect, which means there is still potential for an appeal.

This case reflects Ukraine’s intensified efforts to combat Russian information warfare since the full-scale invasion began. Ukrainian security services have been actively pursuing individuals who support Russian aggression or disseminate narratives that align with Russian state propaganda, viewing such activities as threats to national security during wartime.

Law enforcement agencies across Ukraine have investigated hundreds of similar cases since February 2022, with particular focus on those who publicly justify Russian aggression or share content that undermines Ukrainian sovereignty.

In a related development, authorities in Sumy Oblast, a region in northeastern Ukraine that borders Russia and has experienced cross-border attacks, are currently investigating another case involving a 47-year-old resident of Popivka village. This individual is also accused of justifying Russia’s war and the occupation of Ukrainian territories.

Ukraine has strengthened its legislation against pro-Russian propaganda since 2014, when Russia first annexed Crimea and backed separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. However, these laws have been applied more rigorously since the 2022 full-scale invasion, which has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and massive destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure.

Legal experts note that Ukraine’s judicial system faces the complex challenge of balancing freedom of expression with national security concerns during an active conflict, while international human rights organizations continue to monitor such cases to ensure due process is maintained.