SSU detained Kremlin ideologist Chystilin involved in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

Chystilin was an aide to Sergey Glazyev, a former advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, and actively participated in preparing informational campaigns supporting the seizure of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions. From 2016 to 2024, he developed analytical materials for the Kremlin that justified armed aggression and facilitated the integration of temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories into the Russian Federation.

Furthermore, Chystilin actively promoted Kremlin interests outside of Russia, in particular by organizing interference in electoral processes in Eastern and Central European countries, attempting to reduce Western support for Ukraine. Using a false image of Ukrainian public opinion, he disseminated Kremlin narratives during "round tables" in European countries.

Chystilin was detained after one of these forums thanks to cooperation with law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova when he attempted to flee to Moscow through third countries.

Currently, the suspect is in custody and has been charged with two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: high treason and justification of the Russian Federation’s armed aggression. He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.