The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv has ruled against Irpin Mayor Oleksandr Markushyn, ordering him to be held in custody until March 22, 2025, with the possibility of posting bail in the amount of 30 million hryvnias. In addition, he has been suspended from his duties as mayor until then. This decision was the result of an investigation related to Markushyn's trip to Italy in August 2022.
The prosecutor's office accuses Oleksandr Markushyn of using his official status for personal purposes. In particular, his trip, according to the investigation, was not for volunteering, but to meet with his son. According to the prosecution, Markushyn did not volunteer abroad and did not provide documents that could confirm his participation in such activities.
The mayor of Irpin categorically denied these accusations at the court hearing, emphasizing 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 had already investigated this case twice and had not revealed any violations, but the State Bureau of Investigation raised suspicions a short time later.
In his speech at the court, Markushyn also emphasized that he is the sole guardian of his minor son, as his wife died after giving birth. It is important to note that prosecutors demanded to increase the bail amount to UAH 40 million, but the court left it at UAH 30 million.
Oleksandr Markushyn's lawyer said the charges are unfounded and they are ready to appeal the court's decision. Markushyn, in turn, believes that the case is part of a political struggle and is aimed at discrediting his activities.
