Investigation into spymaster's leaked statements, life sentence for Ukrainian girl's killer in Germany: January 31 highlights
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is investigating a leak of state secrets following the publication of alleged quotes from the Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov. A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a 9-year-old Ukrainian refugee in Germany. Here are the key events for January 31.
Investigation into Budanov's Leaked Statements
The SBU has opened a criminal investigation into the publication of alleged statements by Defense Intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov regarding threats to Ukraine's existence without negotiations by summer.
Investigators believe this constitutes a disclosure of state secrets shared with lawmakers during a closed session of the Verkhovna Rada.
Defense Ministry dismisses Bezrukova
The Ministry of Defense has dismissed Maryna Bezrukova from her position as head of the Defense Procurement Agency. Arsen Zhumadilov will temporarily serve as acting director, as previously announced.
Bezrukova has appealed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, requesting his intervention in the leadership change at the agency. She believes the current actions are "effectively destroying the institution with violations of all possible laws and international obligations of Ukraine."
Life sentence for killer of 9-year-old Valeriia
A German court has sentenced a 37-year-old Moldovan citizen to life in prison for the murder of 9-year-old Ukrainian refugee Valeriia, which occurred last June.
The defendant's lawyer argued that the murder was not premeditated and requested a sentence for manslaughter.
Details of Russian fighter Torden's crimes
The prosecutor in the case of Russian fighter Voislav Torden revealed that, as deputy commander of the Rusich group, his subordinates ambushed a Ukrainian column in eastern Ukraine. Out of 26 soldiers in the column, 22 were killed, some of whom were executed.
Investigators found that Torden allowed his fighters to carve the group's symbol into the cheek of a wounded Ukrainian soldier and took photos with the body of a killed Ukrainian fighter.
Poltava councillor orders businessman's murder
Law enforcement officials have exposed a Poltava Oblast Council member who ordered the murder of a local farmer and community activist to seize his business.
The official’s driver was to act as the hitman. The plan was to lure the businessman to an abandoned pumping station under the pretext of discussing work issues, where he would be strangled with a rope.
Soldoer Hnezdilov planning to sue Ukraine through ECtHR
Military serviceman Serhiy Hnezdilov, who is returning to service after publicly going AWOL, announced he will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
He noted "dozens of violations" in the actions of prosecutors and the State Bureau of Investigation, promising a response as "truth is important."
Other news
- Defense Forces struck a Lukoil oil refinery in Russia's Volgograd Oblast.
- The Russian commissioner claimed that Ukrainian soldiers "shared their last supplies" with residents of Kursk Oblast and saved them from "mercenaries."
- The mayor of Ostroh, who was caught drunk listening to Russian songs and apologized a month later, has been dismissed.
- The suspension of Petro Poroshenko has been criticized, with the complaining lawmaker stating it might be seen as excessive punishment in Europe.