Investigators from the Main Investigative Department of the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) reported suspicions to former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, two former defense ministers of the country Dmytro Salamatin and Pavlo Lebedev.
“They are suspected of committing treason (Part 1 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (as amended dated April 5, 2001),” the press service of the SBI reported on June 24.
The SBI informed that during the pretrial investigation it was established that Yanukovych, with complicity with Salamatin and Lebedev from 2012 to 2014, committed treason. Namely, actions aimed at undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine, undermining its defense capabilities, providing the Russian Federation and its representatives with assistance in carrying out subversive activities against Ukraine.
“The suspects from 2012 to 2014 carried out a targeted reduction in the defense capability of Ukraine with the help of the so-called reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which consisted of a reduction in the number of troops, the disbandment (reorganization) of certain military units, and changes in their location. Such actions took place in particular in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, which subsequently led to the annexation of the peninsula,” the report said.
In case of proof of guilt, the suspects face a sentence of imprisonment for a term of 12 to 15 years with confiscation of property.
