Former Yevpatoria Occupation Head Sentenced to 15 Years for Treason

In Rivne, a former head of the occupation administration of Yevpatoria in Crimea was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property for treason committed under martial law. The decision was announced by the Rivne Regional Prosecutor’s Office on October 10.

The 52-year-old Belarusian by birth, adhering to pro-Russian ideology, participated in 2022 in the so-called competition to fill the post of head of the Yevpatoria administration. The woman won and, in line with the city council’s decision, took the post she held until the end of February 2024, the authorities said.

The SBU also reported that the convicted person had lived in Yevpatoria for a long time and before the start of the full-scale war held leadership positions in local educational institutions.

In her new position she established cooperation with the occupation authorities, organized propaganda campaigns among locals and spread anti-Ukrainian materials in support of the aggressor country, the SBU added.

According to open sources, from December 29, 2022 to February 16, 2024 Olena Demidova held the position.

The Role of the Prosecutor’s Office and the Consequences of the Verdict

The Prosecutor’s Office emphasizes that the verdict will take effect after it becomes final and may be appealed in the established order. In accordance with the court’s decision, the convicted person is sentenced to a long term of imprisonment and the property is subject to confiscation.

The Rivne regional prosecutor’s office and the Security Service of Ukraine confirmed the verdict.

Such decisions underscore the serious approach of Ukraine’s law enforcement system to treason and collaboration with occupying structures in temporarily occupied territories, and also demonstrate readiness to hold accountable individuals who support the aggressor.