**Ukrainian Lawmaker Charged with High Treason**
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) in Ukraine has charged former lawmaker Vadym Novynskyi with high treason and incitement to religious hatred. However, the SBI didn’t mention his name directly. A video description made it clear that this was indeed Novynskyi.
**Who is Vadym Novynskyi?**
Novynskyi is a former member of Ukraine’s parliament from the pro-Russian Opposition Bloc party. The Opposition Bloc was banned in Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale war started. He also sponsored the Moscow-backed church in Ukraine. Forbes estimated his wealth at $1.4 billion in 2023.
**Investigation Details**
The investigation found that Novynskyi had been promoting Russian narratives since Moscow’s invasion in 2014. The SBI said he tried to form anti-government and pro-Russian sentiments in Ukrainian society, justifying Russian aggression. Law enforcement officials called him a “handler” of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in Ukraine.
**Previous Sanctions**
In December 2022, Ukraine imposed sanctions against Novynskyi and other leaders of the Russia-affiliated Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The SBI said he followed instructions from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. After the start of the full-scale invasion, Novynskyi resigned from parliament and fled abroad.
**Potential Punishment**
If detained and convicted, Novynskyi might face up to 15 years in prison with or without confiscation of property.
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