Disclosing troop deployments in Ukraine carries up to 12 years in prison
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has clarified the prohibition on sharing information about military facilities and troop locations during martial law. Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive defence data is punishable under the Criminal Code by 3 to 12 years in prison. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
The legal framework protecting sensitive data relies on several regulatory acts. Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, introduced in 2022 to prevent military leaks, serves as the primary tool. Additionally, restrictions are set by Order No. 73 of the Commander-in-Chief of the ZSU dated March 3, 2022, the Law of Ukraine “On State Secrets,” and Articles 328 and 422 of the Criminal Code.
The law applies to all communication channels, including social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, private and group chats, and verbal statements. Real-time photo and video posts pose the highest risk, as they allow enemies to adjust targeting.
Categories of Restricted Military Information
Under the Law of Ukraine “On State Secrets,” disclosing information regarding the organisation, strength, deployment, combat, or mobilisation readiness of defence forces is illegal. Restricted details include specific coordinates, addresses, and landmarks of military units, barracks, headquarters, fortifications, and checkpoints.
Restrictions also cover movements of military equipment and weaponry, including air defence systems and artillery, as well as transit routes and staging areas. Furthermore, publishing footage of strike impacts, air defence operations, or details allowing indirect site identification through road signs or satellite imagery is strictly prohibited.
Criminal Penalties for Unauthorized Exposure
Criminal liability applies to the act of unauthorized dissemination itself, provided the details were not officially released by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, or other authorized bodies. Proof of intent to collaborate with the enemy is not required to establish a crime.
Part 1 of Article 114-2 carries a prison sentence of 3 to 5 years for sharing data on weapon or ammunition movements. Part 2 penalizes revealing the location or movement of Ukrainian military formations with 5 to 8 years in prison.
Maximum Sentences and Social Media Sharing
The most severe penalty is outlined in Part 3 of the article, establishing 8 to 12 years of imprisonment. This applies to offences committed by prior conspiracy, for financial gain, with intent to assist an aggressor state, or actions resulting in grave consequences.
The ministry emphasized that the presence of restricted data on unofficial web pages or social media does not make copying or reposting it legal. Citizens must rely exclusively on official announcements from state and military authorities.
Photo: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
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