Vladimir Saldo’s Conviction
A Ukrainian court has handed down a 15-year prison sentence in absentia to Vladimir Saldo, the former head of the Russian-installed occupation administration in the Kherson region, for ordering the removal of Ukrainian grain. This marks the third conviction for Saldo, who had previously been found guilty of high treason and collaboration with the enemy.
Saldo’s Actions and Their Consequences
Saldo, who served as the so-called governor of Kherson Oblast, took charge of the occupation administration in 2022. In October of that year, he issued a directive to seize grain stocks from the Kherson Bread Products Plant. Over the course of October and November 2022, roughly 3,000 metric tons of grain—valued at nearly 15 million hryvnias—was illegally transported by three barges to the left bank of the Dnipro River, according to the Prosecutor General’s Office. The operation was carried out by occupation authorities alongside Russian military forces.
The court found Saldo guilty under Article 438, Part 1 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which covers issuing orders that violate the laws and customs of war. The sentence will be enforced only after the defendant is physically apprehended. In November 2023, Saldo had already received a 15-year term for treason, collaboration, and justifying Russia’s armed aggression. Earlier, in April 2026, he was also sentenced to 15 years for crimes against national security.
This verdict represents a significant step in Ukraine’s efforts to combat collaboration and wartime law violations, underscoring the judiciary’s determination to hold accountable those who work with occupying forces. The ruling may also serve as a deterrent to other officials tempted to engage in collaborationist activities, as it highlights the severe consequences of such actions. It reflects Ukraine’s commitment to upholding international norms and standards during the war, while protecting its citizens and national interests.
The recent sentence handed to Vladimir Saldo is not an isolated case; it reflects a broader pattern of accountability for officials involved in wartime crimes. For further insights into similar rulings and the implications for Ukraine's legal framework, see how another occupying official faced a 15-year sentence for looting and grain theft, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address such violations during the conflict. Read more about this case here.