Ukraine Indicts Russian Governor Over Military Funding

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has announced that it has issued an indictment against Olexandr Avdieiev, the governor of Vladimir Oblast, for his role in financing Russian military forces stationed in occupied territories of Ukraine. According to a statement from the SBU in the Cherkasy region, Avdieiev has been implicated in providing logistical support to Russian occupation units since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Investigators have gathered evidence that he has facilitated regular supplies of equipment and resources critical to those forces engaged in combat operations against Ukraine's defensive troops. Specific allegations include Avdieiev's procurement of naval military equipment and communication tools intended for the crews of Russian Black Sea Fleet vessels, such as the "Murmanec," "Suzdalec," and "Kovrovec." These actions constitute a clear violation of Ukrainian laws aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Further investigations revealed that Avdieiev personally traveled to the Zaporizhzhia region, where he met with military personnel from the UAV brigade "Grom-Kaskad" and the volunteer battalion "Barsy-Krym." During these meetings, he reportedly provided them with vehicles, military equipment, and supplies, strengthening their operational capabilities. The SBU has classified these activities under article 110-2 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which pertains to financing actions aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order or altering state borders.

The indictment against Avdieiev is part of a broader effort by Ukrainian authorities to hold accountable officials and individuals who support or facilitate military operations by Russia within Ukraine's borders. Similar indictments have been made against other individuals providing material support to the Russian armed forces, including religious leaders linked to the Russian Orthodox Church.

Such actions reinforce Ukraine's commitment to prosecuting those contributing to the ongoing conflict and supporting foreign military aggression against its sovereignty.