SBI approves suspicion notice for ex-interior minister Zakharchenko

The SBI said this in a statement posted on its website, Ukrinform reports.

As soon as Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the suspect called officials with a proposal to sign an agreement with Russia on the so-called "friendship and protection," which meant the voluntary surrender of territories in return for taking up "high-ranking positions."

Zakharchenko emphasized that he was acting on behalf of the Russian leadership.

In the future, the ex-minister participated in the creation and publication of a number of videos and digests with the aim of forming anti-government sentiments in society to help Russia carry out subversive activities against Ukraine.

In his speeches, the former official justifies and recognizes Russia's armed aggression as legitimate and glorifies members of the Russian armed forces.

Zakharchenko is suspected of actions directed against the foundations of national security of Ukraine, as well as against peace, security of humanity and international legal order (Parts 1, 2 of Article 111, Part 3 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The most severe punishment under these articles is 15 years of imprisonment.

The investigation will request that the suspect be remanded in custody.

As was reported earlier, Zakharchenko was charged in the Maidan case with organizing a number of serious and especially serious crimes related to the usurpation of state power, abuse of power, appropriation and embezzlement of other people's property, intentional murders, and infliction of bodily injuries.

In February 2014, after committing the specified crimes and realizing the victory of the Revolution of Dignity, the suspect fled to Russia, where he began to facilitate the development of events with the introduction of Russian troops to capture Ukrainian territories. For the implementation of these plans, Zakharchenko received Russian citizenship and began to lead an active social life to assist in carrying out subversive activities against Ukraine.