Mayor of Balakliia Stolbovyi fled to Russia with his family — Kharkiv Regional Military Administration

SVITLANA KIZILOVA — THURSDAY, 7 APRIL 2022, 13:56

On 7 April, it turned out that the mayor of Balakliia Ivan Stolbovyi had left the community and moved to Russia.

Source: 

Oleh Siniehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, in an interview with "Fakty"

Quote: 

"According to our information, the mayor of Balaklia and his family left the city and went to Russia. Unfortunately, we have such facts, and I am convinced that these people will be prosecuted fairly and severely for their actions, for betraying Ukraine and every resident of the settlement ".

Details: According to the Head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, there is a criminal case against Stolbovyi, and investigation is underway. According to Siniehubov, it will result in a declaration of suspicion. 

Background: 

Russian troops entered Balakliia in early March.

On 26 March, it was reported that the Russians had arrested Serhii Poltorak, the deputy mayor of Balakliia in the Kharkiv region, and there were suggestions that the mayor, Ivan Stolbovyi, might also have been captured.

On 28 March there was information that the mayor of Balakliia, Ivan Stolbovyi, was unharmed and moving freely in the city temporarily occupied by the Russians.