KIEV, February 9 (RAPSI) – Ukrainian authorities have opened a criminal case against Russian journalist Sergei Dorenko for alleged promotion of separatism, RIA Novosti reported on Monday, citing the Ukrainian Interior Ministry.

The case is linked to an article titled ‘Sergei Dorenko: Split-up is the best solution for Ukraine’ which was shared on the Internet. The article is advocating for change of Ukraine’s state border, according to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry.

Several criminal cases have already been opened in Ukraine against those who spoke out for a federalization of the country since February 2014 when anti-government protests broke out in Kiev.

Nearly 2,000 cases have been opened under the Criminal Code articles on separatism, treason and terrorism, according to Ukraine's SBU state security service.

The Ukrainian Criminal Code stipulates a penalty of up to three years in prison for public advocacy of infringement on the territorial integrity of the country.

Sergei Dorenko is a prominent Russian journalist, former TV host and editor-in-chief of the Russian News Service radio station. He currently hosts the “Podyom” (Wake Up) show on the Govorit Moskva online radio station, where he talks about current social and political issues, conducts polls on controversial issues and reviews media reports.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has urged the Ukrainian authorities to stop pressuring and intimidating Russian journalists.