Support for the aggressor: Zaporizhia residents expressed their sympathy for Russia

In Zaporizhia, which suffers from constant attacks by Russian drones and missiles, there have been cases where residents appear in videos expressing their support for the aggressor.

It shows a group of people who, using the Russian language, express positive sentiments about the country waging war against Ukraine, which kills civilians every day. The statements can be viewed as justification for the crimes committed by the aggressor state.

Such manifestations cannot remain unanswered. The public calls on law enforcement agencies and the Security Service of Ukraine to investigate these circumstances, identify the individuals who participated in creating and distributing this video, and bring them to justice by current legislation.

Justifying Russia’s aggression is not only immoral but also a punishable crime. According to the Criminal Code of Ukraine, public support or denial of aggression is punishable by up to 8 years in prison.

Recently, in the Berdyansk district, two people — a former law enforcement officer and a local taxi driver — were sentenced to 8 and 13 years in prison, respectively, for collaborating with the occupation administration, which was interpreted as treason.

Although such cases are observed, the majority of residents of Zaporizhzhia and the region express support for Ukraine and the Armed Forces and actively participate in volunteering. Between 2022 and 2025, law enforcement officers have been actively responding to manifestations of pro-Russian sentiments, although such cases remain relatively rare.

It is also worth noting that the Security Service of Ukraine recently prevented a terrorist act prepared by Russian military intelligence in Zaporizhzhia. The purpose of the terrorist attack was to detonate an improvised explosive device near an army unit on March 25, the anniversary of the creation of the SBU.