The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has taken decisive action against pro-Kremlin propaganda by charging a former host of the “Nash” and “NewsOne” TV channels with justifying Russian aggression. The suspect, identified by UNN sources as Maks Nazarov, could face up to eight years in prison.
Investigations revealed that after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Nazarov launched a YouTube channel to continue spreading Kremlin-backed narratives. He invited pro-Russian analysts, many of whom are now in Russia, to justify the war and whitewash Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian civilians.
One of his frequent guests was another pro-Kremlin blogger who had been charged by the SBU in February 2024. Initially placed under house arrest, the blogger resumed anti-Ukrainian activities. Both individuals used their platforms to discredit Ukraine internationally and destabilize the country’s social and political environment.
A forensic linguistic analysis commissioned by the SBU confirmed that both bloggers engaged in illegal justification of Russian aggression. Investigators have charged Nazarov under Part 2 and Part 3 of Article 436-2 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code. The charges include justifying and legitimising Russian armed aggression and glorifying its participants.
The SBU has conducted searches at Nazarov’s residence and is working to secure a preventive detention measure. If convicted, he faces up to eight years in prison with property confiscation.
