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Antonov’s leading designer detained for supporting Russia — Kiev prosecutors

The man’s home was searched and computers and mobile telephones, used in "illegal activity," and photos and videos with "anti-Ukrainian content" were confiscated

KIEV, May 31. /TASS/. The leading designer of the Antonov aircraft-building enterprise has been detained by the Ukrainian security service SBU for supporting Russia’s special military operation, the prosecutor’s office of the Kiev Region said on its website on Tuesday.

"The Kiev Region’s prosecutors have charged the leading engineer and designer of the public aircraft-building enterprise Antonov with spreading content on the Internet justifying Russia’s armed aggression and glorification of the aggressor country’s armed forces (the Ukrainian authorities use term "aggressor country" in relation to Russia - TASS)," the news release reads. The suspect may face a five-year prison term in combination with property confiscation or without it.

The man’s home was searched and computers and mobile telephones, used in "illegal activity," and photos and videos with "anti-Ukrainian content" were confiscated, the prosecutor’s office said.

"The pretrial investigation is being conducted by the main directorate of the Ukrainian security service SBU for Kiev and the Kiev Region," the news release reads.

The prosecutor’s office did not disclose the man’s name but it is known that he is a resident of Irpen.

The public company Ukroboronprom, of which Antonov is an affiliate, has confirmed the detention of one of its employees.

"The SBU’s counter-intelligence unit and Ukroboronprom’s own security have exposed an employee of a defense enterprise who indulged in pro-Russian propaganda," Antonov’s press-service said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 launched a special military operation in Ukraine following a request for assistance from the leaders of the two Donbass republics. He stressed that Moscow had no plans for an occupation of Ukraine, its goal being the country’s demilitarization and denazification.