On Thursday, November 14, the incumbent People’s Deputy of Ukraine was informed of suspicion of treason. About this reported in the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). By in words advisor to the Office of the President, Serhii Leshchenko, refers to People’s Deputy Yevgeny Shevchenko, who previously publicly called on President Volodymyr Zelenskyi to “dialogue” with the Russian Federation and is known for his friendship with the Belarusian leadership.
Law enforcement officials claim that Shevchenko’s activities were systemic in nature and harmed Ukraine’s defense capabilities and information security. According to the investigation, even before the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation in 2021, he published statements in which he denied the threat of an invasion from the territory of Belarus and criticized Ukraine’s foreign and domestic political course. Comprehensive psycholinguistic and military expertise confirmed that such statements contributed to destabilizing the domestic situation and created destructive narratives.
In addition, Shevchenko recorded interviews for pro-Russian media resources, where he spread the opinion about the alleged collapse of the Ukrainian government. This content was actively broadcast by Russian propaganda channels, creating the impression that its position represented the official position of Ukraine. In his statements, he claimed that the country would not be able to win and that peace is possible only on conditions favorable to Russia.
The deputy also made efforts to undermine the trust of Ukraine’s Western partners, making claims that the West interferes in the country’s internal affairs and destabilizes other countries, such as Georgia and Moldova. The investigation established that Shevchenko had regular contacts with representatives of the Belarusian embassy and met with the self-proclaimed president Lukashenka.
In commercial activities, Shevchenko also cooperated with Belarusian partners in the field of energy and mineral fertilizers. Using his connections, he purchased goods at discounted prices, which he then resold in Ukraine at higher rates. In half a year, such transactions brought him about 1.5 million euros in profit, although only 500 thousand euros were transferred to Ukraine due to the blocking of transactions by European banks.
The suspicion of treason brought against Shevchenko is qualified under Art. 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for up to 15 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property. The investigation will insist on choosing a preventive measure in the form of detention until the completion of the trial.
