Zakharchenko's bodyguard will face trial for treason and participation in combat
Prosecutors from the Office of the Prosecutor General have filed an indictment with the court against a Ukrainian citizen accused of treason and participation in the illegal armed group “DPR.” According to the investigation, in 2014 he joined the militants and took part in combat operations against Ukrainian military forces.
The investigation established that the defendant conducted reconnaissance of the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces and later became the personal bodyguard of the former leader of the so-called “DPR,” Alexander Zakharchenko. His case will now be heard in court.
According to a special pre-trial investigation, after the start of Russia’s armed aggression, the man, on his own initiative and for ideological reasons, joined an illegal formation that later became part of the so-called “7th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 1st Army Corps of the DNR.”
He was promoted to the rank of “sergeant,” became a squad leader, underwent combat training, and from October 2014 through 2015 participated in battles against the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other forces involved in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO).
The defendant operated in the Debaltseve, Kirovsk, and Bezymenne areas, conducted reconnaissance of Ukrainian unit positions, stood guard at a checkpoint near the headquarters of the illegal formation, and carried out other tasks assigned by the command.
He later joined Zakharchenko’s personal security detail, serving as a security officer. For his service in the illegal formation and participation in combat operations against Ukraine, he was awarded the so-called “St. George’s Cross, 4th Class” and a service pistol.
He is charged with high treason and participation in a terrorist organization—Part 1 of Article 111 and Part 1 of Article 258-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The indictment was submitted to the court following a special pretrial investigation.
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