Lawyer under Article 114-2 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code — Unauthorised dissemination of information on weapons transfers to Ukraine or movements and locations of Ukraine’s Armed Forces or other lawful military formations during martial law or a state of emergency

Legal assessment under Article 114-2 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code

Article 114-2 separately addresses information about weapons transfers and the movement or locations of military formations. The assessment considers what the material can establish, whether the information was officially released by the entities specified in law and the circumstances of distribution. Images of military subjects cannot all be assessed identically without examining their content.

A similar image online does not itself establish official release or answer the question about a particular file. Counsel compares timing, sources, coordinates, detail and the ability to identify a location. Where a particular recipient, purpose or consequence is alleged, that needs its own evidential basis rather than an inference from the mere use of a messaging service.

Evidence and circumstances the lawyer examines

Preserve the original message, date, files, participants and available publication history. A screenshot without a link or context may not identify who uploaded it or what the audience could see. Defence counsel examines inspection records, account access, the source of copies and any expert report.

Access settings, group membership, creation and sending times, file data and device users may matter. The device owner should not simply be assumed to be the author. Conversely, an unsigned post does not negate other evidence of authorship. Counsel assesses the combined materials and identifies specific issues requiring verification.

• The allegation and device-related orders.
• Search and inspection records.
• Details of the original message.
• Publication timing and accessibility data.
• Evidence of official release where available.
• Expert reports and summons.

Legal assistance during investigation and in court

After devices are seized, counsel reviews the inventory, procedural records, court orders and subsequent property status. Attendance at questioning or another action is arranged for the actual time and place. Before substantive explanations, it is important to identify the material alleged and the facts already recorded.

Defence may involve digital evidence review, motions for the complete recording or inspection materials, expert questions and court attendance. Restrictions require assessment of their specific procedural basis. An oral summary of a post is insufficient to determine admissibility or the prospects of a case.

Lawyer consultation concerning disclosure of military information

A consultation concerning disclosure of military information starts with your procedural status, the records received and the next scheduled date. We distinguish issues that can already be assessed from those requiring additional case materials.

For a meaningful review under Article 114-2, provide available records such as the allegation and device-related orders and search and inspection records in advance where possible. Do not select only favourable extracts: inconsistencies matter when assessing risks. We explain the available procedural steps, documents needed and limits of the proposed assignment. A consultation, a single submission and continuing case representation are different engagements.

An online consultation concerning disclosure of military information can provide an initial review remotely. Communication and file-sharing arrangements are agreed with counsel. Personal attendance at an investigative action or hearing is arranged separately according to the procedure and location. Sending an enquiry does not automatically appoint a lawyer as defence counsel in proceedings.

Working with Prikhodko & Partners

Before work concerning disclosure of military information begins, we identify the responsible lawyer, engagement scope and communication arrangements. The client understands which documents are being prepared, the next action and when separate approval is required. Facts obtained during legal assistance are discussed confidentially, with an agreed method for sharing sensitive materials.

Lawyer fees concerning disclosure of military information

Lawyer fees concerning disclosure of military information depend on the stage, urgency, volume of records, number of episodes and procedural work required. One consultation, examination of several case volumes and defence through a particular stage involve different work. The criminal practice’s starting prices appear in the pricing section; they do not establish an identical budget for every case.

Before work under Article 114-2 begins, we define what the professional fee includes: documents, attendance at actions or hearings, review of materials such as publication timing and accessibility data, and reporting arrangements. Additional expert work, translation, travel and necessary expenses are discussed separately. Changes to the scope also require agreement; payment does not guarantee a procedural outcome.

Practical preparation for legal representation

Do not forward potentially sensitive material to others merely to explain the situation publicly. The first enquiry can state your status, the documents received and what prompted contact. Counsel agrees an appropriate sharing method according to the content and access restrictions.

If official sources previously released the information, exact content and timing matter rather than a general reference to the event. Identify the original source, when it became accessible and how it differs from the material in the proceedings. This supports a reasoned position without further distribution.