Ukrainian Security Service (SSU) announced an arrest warrant for Russian rapper Timati: new substantiated accusations of collaboration with Kremlin
As part of a large-scale crackdown on informational and propaganda channels aimed against Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) took a high-profile step — issued an arrest warrant in absentia for Russian musician and propagandist Timur Yunusov, better known to the public under the pseudonym “Timati.” The investigation is ongoing, and prosecutors have presented evidence indicating his active participation in propaganda activities aimed at supporting Russian aggression and legitimizing the occupation of Ukrainian territory. According to the SSU press center, Yunusov’s suspicion was announced based on collected evidence confirming his involvement in a series of actions threatening Ukraine's national security. Specifically, it has been established that the singer was one of the key participants in the Russian information campaign and a trusted associate of Russian leadership, including President Putin, during several critical stages of the electoral process. **Connections with Kremlin and political support:** Official data shows that Yunusov participated in the presidential campaigns of Russia — in 2012, 2018, and 2024 — where he played roles as a propagandist envoy, promoting a negative and pro-Russian image of Ukraine. Additionally, the musician attended Vladimir Putin’s inauguration ceremonies and took part in mass events dedicated to celebrations in Russia, during which he supported Kremlin policies regarding Ukraine. Many of these events aimed to foster positive attitudes toward Russia’s policy of aggression and the annexation of Crimea among the Russian public. His involvement in such activities confirms his active role within the Kremlin's propaganda system. **Concerts on the occupied peninsula and support for occupation:** Law enforcement agencies paid particular attention to Yunusov’s visits to the temporarily occupied Crimean peninsula, where he performed at least seven propaganda concerts organized by the occupation administration. These events were deliberately aimed at legitimizing the annexation, fostering the idea of the “illegitimacy” of Ukrainian authorities, and supporting the occupation regime. His participation in such events further confirms collaboration with the occupation authorities and aiding their efforts to promote pro-Russian information policies. **Charges under the Criminal Code:** Based on the collected evidence, the investigative team has notified Yunusov of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 332-1 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code — “Violation of the order of entry to and exit from temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine for purposes damaging national interests, committed repeatedly.” This legal accusation entails serious consequences, as it targets those facilitating treason against national interests through illegal trips to occupied regions to carry out propaganda activities. Pre-trial investigation is currently underway under the guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General, and its results are of significant importance for dismantling Russian information operations in Ukraine. **What’s next:** Given his active participation in propaganda activities in Crimea, as well as numerous testimonies and collected evidence, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are prepared for further investigation and will take necessary procedural measures against other persons involved in the entire Russian propaganda system. As the investigation continues, relevant services emphasize the importance of combating information aggression by Russia and call on citizens to remain vigilant regarding potential sources of disinformation and propaganda. Thus, the case of Timati serves as another reminder that the targeted fight against Russian language and culture influence within the country is an integral part of defending its independence and territorial integrity. Ukraine, with its characteristic resilience, continues to pursue a consistent stance against information aggression, transforming it into lawful actions and evidence to hold accountable individuals aiding the enemy in its systemic efforts against Ukrainian statehood.