The Kyiv-based prosecutor's office of Crimea opened a criminal investigation into the unleashing of a hybrid war by Russia. The case is qualified under Article 437 of the Criminal Code - waging of an aggressive war or a military conflict.
"The criminal proceedings are unprecedented, as it will be the first time ever that the information component of the hybrid war of Russia against Ukraine receives a legal assessment," said the website of the SBU, whose materials served as the basis for the initiation of the case.
The case concentrates on the events related to the annexation of Crimea in early 2014.
"In the course of the pre-trial investigation, special attention will be paid to preparations for the annexation of Crimea and the mongering of hatred for the people of Ukraine among the population of the peninsula, including through the media and Internet resources," the SBU said.
The investigation will also probe into the removal remove of obstacles to the invasion of the armed forces of the Russian Federation to the territory of Ukraine and the creation of conditions, including through the manipulation of the public consciousness through the media and the Internet, for the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea," the SBU wrote.
Russia seized Crimea in the spring of 2014 after Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia.
United Nations has recognized the annexation of Crimea illegal.