Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych received the second sentence in the Ukrainian court. The Podilsky District Court of Kyiv found him guilty of inciting desertion and the organization of illegal transportation of persons across the border, appointing 15 years in prison. Together with him he was convicted by the expirer of the head of the State Security Department, Konstantin Kobzar, who received 10 years of prison.
This is the second sentence for Yanukovych after his escape to Russia in 2014. The first sentence was issued in January 2019 for treason and assistance in an aggressive war, and then he was assigned 13 years in prison. According to a new sentence, Yanukovych, together with Kobzar, organized an illegal crossing across the border not only themselves but also more than 20 people from the environment. Important details of this sentence are the evidence that on February 23, 2014, Yanukovych, with the help of Russian military springs, illegally crossed the border of Ukraine and removed himself and others to Russia. After that, in the occupied Crimea, he jumped out some of his protection staff for desertion, and then left them with them.
As a result of the sentence, prosecutors emphasize that this is another step in the process of bringing to justice persons who contributed to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Yanukovych's case is still being considered in the ABENTIA procedure because it is outside Ukraine and does not appear at court sessions.
Currently, Ukrainian law enforcement officers continue to work on the investigation of the case, and the sentences that have already been rendered emphasize the steadfasticity of justice in cases related to high government officials and their role in supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine.
