SSU Issues Suspicion Notices to 12 Collaborators in Donetsk

What Happened

On May 30, 2026, the SSU confirmed that it had identified and documented the illegal activities of 12 residents from the occupied territories of Donetsk who were serving in illegal government roles. These individuals have been cooperating with pro-Russian forces and functioning as 'deputies' in local councils after being elected through unlawful processes.

Key Details

According to a Facebook statement from the SSU's Main Directorate for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, these suspects played significant roles in the local governance structure established by the occupying forces. They were elected to city councils in various towns including Donetsk, Horlivka, Amvrosiivka, Shakhtarsk, Volnovakha, Yenakiieve, Yasynuvata, Torez, and Snizhne.

The individuals facilitated operations for the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and ran for positions under the pro-Kremlin political party 'United Russia.' The SSU stated that these actions were aimed at maintaining the illusion of a functioning government in areas under Russian control. In legal terms, the SSU has classified these actions as collaboration under Part 5 of Article 111-1 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code.

This classification allows for severe legal consequences, including the potential for lengthy imprisonment.

Why It Matters

The SSU's actions demonstrate ongoing efforts to address collaboration with enemy forces in occupied regions.

Background

Collaboration with occupying forces in Ukraine has been a contentious issue since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent conflict in eastern Ukraine. Reports from the SSU in recent years have increasingly highlighted the necessity of pursuing legal actions against those who conspire with enemy entities to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty.

Previous actions by the SSU include the sentencing of 11 individuals for their roles in actively fighting against Ukrainian forces, with sentences reaching up to 15 years in prison. The continuous identification and prosecution of collaborators highlight the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in reclaiming occupied territories and restoring effective governance in these areas.