Fresh Evidence Uncovered by Ukraine’s SBU Against Ex-Lawmaker Muraiev for Subversive Acts

New Investigation Targets Yevheniy Muraiev

According to Главком: On May 11, investigators from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced they had obtained new evidence of subversive activities by former parliament member Yevheniy Muraiev. He is accused of spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda after the full-scale war began and of using the TV channel 'Nash' to disseminate disinformation. An SBU forensic analysis confirmed that Muraiev conducted information-subversion operations in the interests of the Russian Federation. Based on these findings, Muraiev has been charged in absentia under parts 1 and 3 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Allegations and Their Implications

Muraiev, the leader of the banned pro-Russian party 'Nashi', is accused of circulating falsehoods about Ukraine’s domestic situation. Among his public statements was an interview where he described Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine as an 'internal civil conflict.' He also urged Ukrainian citizens to lay down their arms before Russian forces and justified the temporary occupation of parts of Ukraine’s territory. According to the SBU statement, 'the former lawmaker spread fake news about the internal situation in Ukraine, called on its citizens to surrender to the Russians, and justified the temporary seizure of part of our country’s territory.'

It is worth recalling that earlier, in July 2023, the SBU had already charged Muraiev in absentia under part 1 of Article 111 (high treason) and part 1 of Article 161 (incitement to hatred) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The maximum penalty for the new charges could reach up to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. Muraiev is currently wanted for high treason and inciting ethnic hatred. After leaving Ukraine in May 2022 via the border with Hungary, he now resides in Vienna and occasionally visits Bratislava.

These developments are part of a broader crackdown by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies aimed at identifying and punishing individuals who promote Russian aggression and disinformation. Given the ongoing war, the SBU’s proactive efforts to hold accountable those spreading pro-Kremlin narratives are crucial for national security and public awareness. At the same time, the manhunt for Muraiev underscores the severity of the charges and their potential impact on Ukrainian society.

These latest developments come as the SBU intensifies its efforts against Muraiev, who has already faced prior accusations. In a related case, authorities have also pressed new charges against him for allegedly inciting the overthrow of the government. For further insights into these allegations and their potential repercussions, read more about the fresh charges against Muraiev.