Director Bortko's case has been referred to court over calls for a nuclear strike
The case against Russian director and former State Duma deputy Vladimir Bortko, who is suspected in Ukraine of justifying the war and calling for a nuclear strike against Ukraine, has been referred to court. The pretrial investigation has been completed, and prosecutors from the Office of the Prosecutor General have submitted the indictment to the court. According to investigators, Bortko used his popularity in the Russian media for years to spread Kremlin propaganda.
Ukrainian prosecutors have concluded their investigation into Russian director, screenwriter, and former State Duma deputy Vladimir Bortko. The indictment has already been submitted to the court. According to the investigation, Bortko regularly appeared in Russian media and used his popularity to spread pro-Russian narratives. Specifically, this included justifying Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and denying Ukrainian sovereignty.
Law enforcement officials also claim that the director supported the occupation of Ukrainian territories and advocated for the continuation of the war. Separately, the investigation points to his public calls to use tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
The prosecutor’s office notes that Bortko had a large audience thanks to his work on Russian television and online. According to investigators, this is precisely what enabled him to influence a significant number of people and spread his statements.
What Bortko Is Accused Of
Ukrainian law enforcement officials believe that the director repeatedly disseminated materials in which he justified Russian aggression against Ukraine and recognized it as legitimate. Furthermore, according to investigators, he denied Ukraine’s right to independence and territorial integrity. In addition, Bortko supported the occupation of Ukrainian territories and called for the war not to be stopped.
The most controversial part of the charges was his statements regarding nuclear weapons. According to the investigation, the director publicly called for the use of tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine to achieve the war aims declared by the Kremlin. This specifically concerns the assessment and classification of his public statements by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. It is up to the court to determine Bortko’s guilt.
What charges has the director been charged with?
Bortko was previously notified of the charges against him. His actions were classified under Article 436 and Part 3 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Article 436 pertains to war propaganda.
Part 3 of Article 436-2 provides for liability for the production and dissemination of materials that justify or recognize as lawful Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, if this is done repeatedly or through the mass media. The case has now moved to the next stage—it will be heard in court. After evaluating the evidence, the court must determine whether the charges against Bortko have been proven.
Who Is Vladimir Bortko
Vladimir Bortko is a Russian director and screenwriter. He is known for his work on a number of films and TV series that are popular in Russia. Among his best-known works are *A Dog’s Heart*, *The Idiot*, *The Master and Margarita*, *Taras Bulba*, and *Gangster Petersburg*. Bortko was also involved in politics. He served as a deputy in the Russian State Duma.
After the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the director repeatedly made public statements in support of the Kremlin’s policies. It is precisely his statements and public activities that Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are now investigating as part of a criminal proceeding. The indictment has already been submitted to the court. Consequently, it is up to the Ukrainian justice system to make the final determination regarding Bortko’s actions. This was reported by .
