The SBU served suspicion notices to Ukrainian producer Yuriy Bardash for publicly calling for a violent change in the constitutional order, distributing materials calling for changes in the borders of the territory, propaganda of war and justifying Russian aggression against Ukraine.
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he fled to Russia, where he launched a broad information campaign in support of the occupiers. For this purpose, Bardash regularly publishes anti-Ukrainian posts on the pages of his own Telegram channel with a total audience of almost 50 thousand users. Among other things, the defendant calls for the capture of Kyiv and Kharkiv.
The SBU added that Bardash also regularly repeats the theses of Russian propaganda on the Kremlin’s propaganda broadcasts on YouTube.
Based on the evidence collected, SBU investigators served Bardash a notice of suspicion in absentia under four articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- ч. 2, Art. 109 (public calls for violent change of the constitutional order, as well as distribution of materials calling for such actions);
- Art. 1, 2 Art. 110 (distribution of materials calling for changes in the boundaries of the territory in violation of the procedure established by the Constitution of Ukraine);
- Article 436 (propaganda of war);
- ч. 1, part 3 of Art. 436-2 (justification, recognition of the legitimacy, denial of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).
SBU-initiated examinations confirmed the facts of his information and subversive activities in favor of the aggressor.
As Bardash is hiding from justice in Russia, comprehensive measures are being taken to bring him to justice for his crimes against Ukraine.
What is known about Bardash
Born on February 23, 1983, in Alchevsk, Luhansk region, Bardash is a former Ukrainian producer, choreographer, and singer. He is the founder of the Kruzheva Music production center. Founder and producer of the Quest Pistols, Quest Pistols Show, Gryby, Nerves, Moon, Wellboy, and other projects. Former member of the band Gryby.
After the start of the full-scale invasion, Yuriy Bardash has not yet spoken out clearly about the war in Ukraine.
After the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the producer and singer fled to Georgia and from there to Russia. He has repeatedly stated that he supports the actions of the Russian authorities. Bardash has also repeatedly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other members of the country’s political leadership on his social media accounts.
Georgiy (Yuriy) Bardash, born in Ukraine, has already received Russian citizenship. He changed his name from Yuri to George on the recommendation of a priest from the monastery in Pechory.