SSU Opens 328 Cases over Encroachment on Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity This Year

Since the beginning of 2021, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has opened 328 criminal proceedings over encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine, creation of terrorist groups or organisations.

A total of 307 people were served with notice of charges within these cases, mostly under Article 110 (encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Over this period, three attempted terrorist attacks were exposed. Two of them were planned by sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the so-called “LPR/DPR” near the contact line in the Joint Forces Operation area. However, the intentions of the sabotage and reconnaissance groups were revealed and the explosive devices were neutralised. In this way, the lives of servicepersons were saved.

To minimise terrorist and extremist manifestations, the SSU units, in cooperation with other law enforcement officers, seized 137 firearms, nearly 72,000 rounds of ammunition, and 191.6 kg of explosives.

Another important area is the fight against international terrorism. To this end, the SSU denied 190 foreigners involved in terrorist and extremist organisations entry into Ukraine. Another 17 people were detained, including a citizen of the Russian Federation, a member of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan who was wanted by Interpol, and a militant of a terrorist group from the Islamic State.

Forty-five foreigners were deported to their countries of origin, in particular, three citizens to Sri Lanka, two to Russia, and two more to Azerbaijan. All of them were supporters or participants in international terrorist movements.

Over the past six months, 191 judgements of conviction, based on files submitted by SSU, took effect. These are crimes against national statehood: encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of the country, as well as terrorist activities.

For example, a Ukrainian, self-proclaimed “prime minister” of the quasi-formation “Republic of Subcarpathian Rus,” was sentenced to 12 years in prison. He campaigned for violation of the constitutional order and territorial integrity of Ukraine. In 2014, he even sought Russian organisations’ assistance in carrying out subversive activities.

Natalia Tolub