Leader of ‘Luhansk Branch’ of ‘Railways of Novorossiya’ Faces Charges
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has issued charges in absentia against the head of the so-called Luhansk branch of the ‘Railways of Novorossiya’ enterprise, a company established by occupying forces. This entity facilitates military transport for the Russian army across the temporarily occupied territories of the Luhansk region. In 2023, a former businessman from Donetsk agreed to take charge of this operation, which relies on assets seized from Ukraine’s state railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia.
The suspect is accused of orchestrating military railway logistics in Luhansk, overseeing the movement of ammunition, fuel, and Russian personnel. Special facilities have been set up at railway hubs and stations to house Russian troops. Under his leadership, coordination with Russia’s Ministry of Defense has been established. For instance, locomotive depots are being used to repair and store Russian military equipment, and a reserve of locomotives has been created for urgent military deployments.
Legal Consequences and SBU Actions
The SBU stated that the charges fall under Article 111-2, Part 1 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which addresses aiding an aggressor state. This carries a potential sentence of up to 12 years in prison. As the SBU noted:
‘The Security Service of Ukraine has documented the criminal activities of the head of the so-called Luhansk branch of the federal state enterprise Railways of Novorossiya, who, in the interests of the enemy, organizes military railway transport in the Luhansk region.’
This case is part of a broader SBU effort to disrupt enemy operations within Ukraine. It underscores the agency’s continuous monitoring and readiness to counter Russian attempts to strengthen their foothold in occupied areas. By prosecuting those who support the aggressor, Ukrainian law enforcement demonstrates its commitment to combating collaboration and safeguarding national security.
This recent development highlights the ongoing efforts by Ukraine's Security Service to dismantle not only external threats but also internal vulnerabilities. For instance, the SBU has recently reported on a significant internal purge, revealing a network of suspects, including officials allegedly colluding with Russian agents. To understand the broader implications of these actions, you can read more about the details of this internal investigation here.