The Pechersk Court of Kyiv made a decision regarding the mayor of Irpen, Oleksandr Markushin, ordering him to be held in custody until March 22, 2025, with the possibility of bail in the amount of 30 million hryvnias. In addition, until now he is suspended from performing his duties as the mayor. This decision was the result of an investigation related to Markushin's trip to Italy in August 2022.
The prosecutor's office accuses Oleksandr Markushin of using his official status for personal purposes. In particular, according to the investigation, his trip was not for volunteering, but to meet his son. According to the prosecution, Markushyn did not volunteer abroad and did not provide documents that could confirm his participation in such activities.
At the court hearing, the mayor of Irpen categorically denied these accusations, stressing that his trip was authorized by the Kyiv Regional Military Administration and was not only personal, but also charitable in nature. According to Markushyn, the purpose of the trip was not only to see his son, but also to purchase drones for the Ukrainian army. At the same time, he noted that the Kyiv region police investigated this case twice and found no violations, but the State Bureau of Investigation raised suspicions after a short time.
In his speech at the court, Markushyn also emphasized that he is the sole guardian of his young son, since his wife died after giving birth. It is important to note that the prosecutors demanded to increase the bail to UAH 40 million, but the court left it at UAH 30 million.
Oleksandr Markushyna's lawyer stated that the charges are unfounded, and they are ready to file an appeal against the court's decision. Markushyn, in turn, believes that the case is part of a political struggle and is aimed at discrediting his activities.
