Uncovering a Network of Communist Supporters in Ukraine

Authorities have identified a network of telegram channels established by criminals to advocate for the revival of Soviet-era ideologies, disseminating communist symbols while ignoring the Constitution of Ukraine and its state institutions.
Kyiv's police investigators, in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and under the guidance of the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office, uncovered the activities of the so-called «Organizing Committee of the USSR».
It was found that four active members of this movement produced and distributed prohibited communist symbols, as well as managed telegram channels and chats to coordinate their actions and recruit new supporters. Members of these communities held so-called «congresses of Soviet citizens» and enacted their own «laws».
Those involved include a 58-year-old resident of Chernivtsi, a 45-year-old woman from Mukachevo, a 46-year-old man from Ivano-Frankivsk, and a 49-year-old woman from Kyiv.
During searches at the suspects' residences, law enforcement seized materials featuring prohibited symbols, mobile phones, and laptops used for the administration of telegram channels.
All suspects have been formally notified of suspicion under part 2 of Article 436-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for producing and disseminating communist symbols and promoting a totalitarian regime. The sanctions of this article provide for imprisonment for up to ten years.