Ukrainian Educators Suspected of Spreading Propaganda in Kherson Region

Ukrainian authorities have charged three individuals in Kherson region with collaboration for their roles in implementing Russian educational policies and supporting occupation forces during the ongoing conflict. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced the charges following an investigation into activities that allegedly undermined Ukrainian sovereignty in the temporarily occupied territories.

According to the SBU Office in Kherson region, the suspects actively assisted Russian forces in establishing control over the region, particularly through the educational system and participation in occupation administration activities. The investigation revealed a coordinated effort to reshape local institutions according to Russian standards and promote pro-Russian ideology among Ukrainian children.

Two of the accused served as administrators of educational institutions established by Russian forces in the Genichesk and Skadovsk districts. These schools were reportedly created using existing Ukrainian educational facilities as a foundation. In their leadership roles, the suspects implemented comprehensive changes to align with Russian educational standards—registering the institutions with occupation authorities, hiring staff loyal to the Russian administration, introducing Russian textbooks, and mandating Russian-language documentation.

Investigators noted that the schools became centers for Russian propaganda activities. The SBU reports that the suspects displayed symbols of the Russian Federation throughout the schools, organized regular performances of the Russian national anthem, and conducted ceremonial Russian flag-raising events.

One administrator allegedly took additional steps to promote Russian ideology by appearing in pro-Russian media outlets, where they publicly expressed gratitude to occupation authorities for restoring educational services. This same individual reportedly created a school page on VKontakte—a Russian social network—that served as a distribution platform for Russian ideological materials targeted specifically at children.

The second education administrator allegedly employed coercive tactics against parents who resisted sending their children to Russian-administered schools. According to the SBU, the suspect threatened resistant parents with the possible loss of parental rights. This individual is also accused of organizing events promoting Russian occupation policies, including propaganda supporting Russia’s annexation of Crimea. The investigation revealed that this suspect established a “cadet class” where students were required to wear military-style uniforms and received instruction on Russian symbols and legislation.

The third suspect operated outside the educational sphere, serving as an assistant to the Russian-appointed regional administrator in the Chornobaiv community. This individual’s alleged collaboration included organizing political events supporting the occupation, distributing humanitarian aid from Russian sources, assisting with repairs to Russian military equipment, and participating in the internationally condemned referendum on Russian annexation. The SBU claims this suspect also pressured pro-Ukrainian residents and participated in removing memorial plaques honoring fallen Ukrainian defenders.

All three suspects have been notified in absentia of the charges against them, which include collaboration and providing assistance to an aggressor state. If convicted, they could face up to 12 years in prison and confiscation of property under Ukrainian law.

This case follows a pattern of similar prosecutions. In February, Ukrainian law enforcement detained a resident of Yalta in Kyiv region on similar charges of collaboration for teaching Ukrainian students according to Russian educational standards.

The charges highlight the complex challenges facing Ukrainian authorities in addressing alleged collaboration in temporarily occupied territories, particularly in educational settings where children’s development and national identity formation are at stake. Education has become a critical battleground in the wider conflict, with both sides recognizing its importance in shaping future generations’ cultural and political allegiances.