The Chernihiv District Court has sentenced former local court employee Natalia Chernobay, who was found guilty of justifying Russia’s actions and mocking the graves of Ukrainian soldiers. The woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison with a ban on holding positions in state and local government bodies for ten years.
According to the investigation, in August 2024 she sent a video to a private group called “Sisters” in which she rejoiced at the shelling of Sumy and Chernihiv regions, explosions near her house, and expressed nostalgia for 2022, when Russian troops were near Chernihiv. In this group, besides her, there were two more friends who currently live in Russia.
The woman also stated that she considered Russia her native country and called herself Russian. She said that she was worried that “Chernihiv may not be needed by the Russians and will remain part of Ukraine.” She recorded the video at the Yatsevo cemetery in Chernihiv, where she laughed at the deaths of Ukrainian soldiers.
Law enforcement officers accused her of producing and distributing materials justifying Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, publicly justifying this aggression, and aiding the aggressor state.
After the verdict was announced, the woman said that she considered the punishment too harsh.
“People point missiles, and they are given 10 years. “And I’m for hanging out with two girlfriends… Yes, I did, I admit it, but not for 10 years,” she said.
