Law enforcement announced suspicion notices for 12 people involved in the creation of an illegal armed formation – the Margelov Volunteer Battalion. Among the suspects is the former mayor of Kherson, and now the so‑called governor of Kherson region, Volodymyr Saldo.
The texts of the suspicion notices are published on the website of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
According to new investigation materials, Saldo not only initiated the creation of this unit, but also ensured its functioning through a specially created charitable foundation. The organization was engaged in raising funds, purchasing military gear and equipment for fighters who are fighting against the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the southern direction.
According to law enforcement, Volodymyr Saldo exercised overall leadership and signed orders on the formation of the unit’s structure.
Along with him, suspects were announced for individuals who took on the execution of specific tasks within the ranks of this group. Among them are Oleksandr Marchenko, Kostiantyn Lubyanskyi, Danylo Lisitsyn and Andriy Kutuzov, who voluntarily joined the battalion and participated in combat training.
The investigation established that they underwent firearms and tactical training, guarded facilities, and carried out commanders’ orders aimed at supporting the occupation regime.
Also included in the list of suspects were Oleksandr Korelskyi, Artem Zhmailo, Serhiy Deikun, Denys Belykh and Yevhen Husakov. Each of them participated in the battalion’s activities, ensuring its combat capability at various levels.
In addition, suspicion notices were announced to Vitalii Savenko and Viktor Tyslenko. They are accused of providing assistance to illegal armed formations and of conducting hostilities against Ukraine.
All the persons implicated are accused of state treason and collaborationist activity.
Recall, the Russians announced the creation of the so-called Margelov Volunteer Battalion already during the occupation of Kherson.
In mid-May 2023 the occupiers mentioned their intent to form the battalion and announced recruitment into it, and in 2024 a support fund for the same detachment was created.
Last year in Henichesk a memorial was installed for the killed servicemen who fought in this battalion. Saldo was personally present at the opening.