A native of Poltava Oblast who had lived in Berdyansk, Hrytsai headed the local branch of the Socialist Ukraine party. After Russian forces occupied the city in 2022, he willingly began cooperating with the invaders and was appointed to the occupation administration. He served as “acting Mayor” while simultaneously holding the post of “Deputy Mayor” for infrastructure, housing, and utilities, HUR said.
“Hrytsai effectively worked to expropriated state property in occupied Berdyansk on Moscow’s behalf,” the message stated.
Ukrainian authorities allege Hrytsai terrorized the city’s residents, reported on pro-Ukrainian locals to the Russian forces, and played an active role in running torture facilities in Berdyansk.
According to our sources in HUR, the collaborator personally tortured Ukrainian prisoners and misappropriated state assets.
Hrytsai was fatally shot with a suppressed Makarov pistol. He had been formally charged with high treason on April 1, 2022.