A Poltava fitness trainer who insulted and provoked military personnel has been sentenced to prison.
On February 3 in Poltava, former fitness trainer and blogger Roman Zavaloka was sentenced to 6 years in prison. He was found guilty of serious offenses, including insulting the honor and dignity of Ukrainian servicemen, obstructing the activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and producing and distributing offensive materials on social media. Additionally, the court ruled to confiscate half of the defendant's property.
As reported by the spokesperson of the regional prosecutor's office, Lyudmila Ivashchuk, in a comment to "Suspilne," it became known during the investigation that Zavaloka filmed his actions and published videos in an attempt to discredit the military. He also sought to demean the servicemen of the Poltava Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support.
Roman Zavaloka was detained on August 29, 2023, during a document check when he assaulted a police officer while under the influence of drugs. The man did not admit his guilt. As of now, he will remain in custody until the verdict takes legal effect.
Zavaloka Spat at Soldiers: What He Said in His Defense
Zavaloka's arrest took place on August 29, 2023, in Poltava. He was caught in the act after insulting and spitting at the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Specifically, he accused the military of supposedly being responsible for the war that Russia started against Ukraine and called them "mercenary killers." During the incident, one of the soldiers he spat at was a serviceman who had sustained multiple injuries from a mine explosion at the front.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that Zavaloka filmed his provocative actions and later published them on his Instagram page. According to information from his lawyer, filming military personnel in public places is prohibited; however, in the case of receiving a summons, possessing a phone and filming is not a violation.
In court, Roman Zavaloka attempted to justify his actions by stating that he hates the aggressor country that started the war and that he is doing everything possible to fight against corruption in government bodies. He expressed outrage that wounded and concussed servicemen are forced to perform duties such as patrolling the streets or serving summonses instead of receiving help at the front, which leads to aggressive reactions among the people.
Despite these statements, traces of injuries were still visible on his face. Law enforcement officials reported that Zavaloka had published about 70 videos and posts aimed at discrediting the military.