The Security Service and the National Police documented new crimes of Volodymyr Saldo – the head of the Russian occupation administration on the left bank of Kherson region. He is helping the Russians build up the enemy’s armed grouping in the southern region.
The SBU press service reports this.
As established by SBU counterintelligence, Saldo organized the creation of a so‑called “volunteer battalion” in support of the aggressor country.
For this, already in August 2023 he signed an “order” that provided for financing of the occupation formation and billeting its members in the buildings of seized health facilities.
Subsequently Saldo initiated a recruitment information campaign for the newly formed grouping through Russian-controlled media outlets.
In addition, he used his own Telegram channel, in which he urged local residents to join the battalion.
After forming the command staff of the enemy unit, it was transferred under the command of the Southern Military District of the aggressor country to take part in combat operations against the Defense Forces.
Saldo also took an active part in organizing the procurement of military gear, provisions, medical supplies and equipment for the needs of the occupation battalion.
Based on the evidence collected by counterintelligence of the Security Service, Saldo was notified in absentia of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 260 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (creation of armed formations not provided for by law or participation in their activities).
Also, eleven members of the enemy group’s command were issued in absentia suspicions of treason and collaborationist activity.
Recall, earlier he had already been notified of suspicion for participation in the attempt by the Russians to annex occupied Kherson region.
This suspicion is a continuation of the one that was announced to Saldo on September 27. It concerned the organization and conduct of the Russian “referendum” in Kherson region.