Ukraine Accuses LDPR Leader Leonid Slutsky of Collaborating with Ru...

What Happened

On April 21, 2026, authorities in Ukraine's Kherson region officially declared charges against Leonid Slutsky, the leader of the Russian political party LDPR and a member of the State Duma. The charges pertain to his alleged collaboration with the Russian government amid ongoing military aggression against Ukraine.

The Kherson regional prosecutor's office reported that Slutsky is suspected of engaging in informational activities that support the actions of the aggressor state. He is accused of justifying Russian military actions against Ukraine and leveraging his political influence to promote cooperation with the occupying forces.

Key Details

According to the prosecutor's office, the 58-year-old Slutsky has played a pivotal role in the Russian political landscape, notably as the head of the LDPR faction in the Duma and the chair of its Committee on International Affairs. His activities in Ukraine have led to him being placed under sanctions by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine due to his anti-Ukrainian actions.

During the 2023 “elections” in the occupied Kherson region, Slutsky reportedly organized the political framework for the DDPR party, including the establishment of regional branches. He is alleged to have approved lists of candidates for positions in the occupied administrative bodies, such as the so-called Kherson Regional Duma.

Throughout April 2023, he conducted extensive political activities, including addresses to local populations and video recordings promoting the Russian narratives regarding Ukraine. His statements, laden with propaganda, aimed to legitimize the illegal governance established by the occupation.

In one of his video addresses, Slutsky emphasized the importance of commemorating local collaborators who perished under the occupation. He articulated plans for Russia's exploitation of the region's natural resources, leveraging support from LDPR-affiliated local council members.

The prosecutor's office confirmed that recordings of Slutsky's speeches circulated on social media platforms associated with both the LDPR and the illegal administration of Kherson.

Why It Matters

This development reflects Ukraine's ongoing efforts to hold accountable those who promote Russian interests in occupied territories. Slutsky's alleged activities represent a broader strategy by Russia to establish its presence in Ukrainian regions through political and social manipulation.

The charges against high-profile figures like Slutsky could impact diplomatic relations and Ukraine’s legal approach to dealing with individuals involved in collaboration with occupying forces.

Background

In the context of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine regained control of the right bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson province in late 2022. However, the left bank remains under temporary Russian occupation.

Ukraine continues to face various attempts of Russian political maneuvering in these areas. The propaganda tactics and operational strategies deployed by Russian political leaders like Slutsky are essential elements of Moscow's broader efforts to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty and legitimacy through disinformation and illegitimate political activity.