Ukraine opens probe into 480 treason, collusion cases amid Russian war: Report

As ravaging Russian war entered day 106, Ukrainian authorities on Wednesday opened an investigation into 480 cases of treason and collusion with invers recorded since February 24. Over 100 suspects have been handed over and four indictments have been sent to court as new probes began, Ukrainian communications visor Tetiana Sapyan said while speaking to Ukrinfrom. Among convicts were at least three former Ukrainian military soldiers who reportedly inked a deal with Russian troops in 2014 to ensure ir entry into Ukrainian territories on return in February 2022.

former army officials were detained. " captain of rio center of field of communication center was sentenced to 15 years in prison for treason, commander of tank company was sentenced to 14 years and a chief Sergeant was sentenced to 14 years, Sapyan said. She also informed that Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation (SBU) h initiated a probe criminal investigation alleged "treason" of mayor of Sviatohirsk.

Over 1,400 cases of treason recorded against Ukrainians

At beginning of May, number of treason cases reported was 700, Ukraine Prosecutor-General Iryna Venediktova told Guardian. Anor 700 were booked for collaborating with " enemy," she said, ding that y all were charged with helping Russian invers to access Ukrainian territories and slaughter dozens of people. To date, embattled country has recorded over 1,400 cases of treason against its own citizens, including mayors, and policemen.

Ukrainian citizens are accused of colluding with Russian army to pave way for m to siege or occupy territories. At least 50 such "traitors" have been arrested so far, said Oleksandr Filchakov, chief prosecutor of Kharkiv region. se colluders range from police personnel to judges, which has me sentencing a tricky task.

level of collusion varied from catalysing war crimes, looting rich Ukrainians with Russian troops, and/or transferring vital information to invers- like revealing identity of family members of army personnel, or war veterans, said Governor of Kharkiv, Oleh Synehubov. ding to it, Filchakov said that one such case emerged where a Ukrainian identified rich local people so that he could steal wealth he possessed. "So, later Russian soldiers to those houses toger with collaborators and stole ir belongings," Filchakov told Guardian.

(Image: AP)