Investigation into Budanov's statements and life sentence for the Ukrainian killer in Germany: key highlights from January 31.
Investigation into Budanov's Leaked Words
The Security Service of Ukraine has opened a criminal case in response to the alleged remarks made by the head of the GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, regarding the threat to Ukraine's existence without negotiations by summer.
Investigators believe this constitutes a disclosure of state secrets that were entrusted to lawmakers during a closed session of the Verkhovna Rada.
Ministry of Defense Dismisses Bezrukova
The Ministry of Defense has dismissed the previously suspended Marina Bezrukova from her position as head of the Defense Procurement Agency. As previously stated, Arsen Jumadilov will serve as the acting director.
Bezrukova herself has appealed to President Volodymyr Zelensky for intervention regarding the situation surrounding the leadership change at the AOP. She believes that the institution is being "effectively destroyed in violation of all possible laws and international obligations of Ukraine."
9-Year-Old Valeriya's Killer Receives Life Sentence
A court in Germany has sentenced a 37-year-old Moldovan citizen to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of murdering 9-year-old Ukrainian refugee Valeriya, an incident that occurred last June.
The convict's lawyer argued that the murder was committed without malicious intent, thus requesting a sentence for involuntary manslaughter.
Details of Russian Militant Torden's Crimes
The prosecutor in the case against Russian militant Voislav Torden revealed that when he was the deputy commander of the "Rusich" group, his subordinates ambushed a Ukrainian convoy in eastern Ukraine. Among the 26 soldiers in the convoy, 22 were killed — some of them executed.
According to the investigation, Torden allowed his fighters to carve the group's symbol on the cheek of an injured Ukrainian soldier and took photos with the body of a slain Ukrainian fighter.
Poltava Region Deputy Ordered Murder of Businessman
Law enforcement agencies uncovered a Poltava regional council deputy who ordered the murder of a local farmer and public figure in order to appropriate his business.
The killer was supposed to be the deputy's driver. At a local abandoned pumping station, where the businessman would come to discuss work matters, the plan was to throw a rope loop around his neck and strangle him.
Hnizdilov Plans to Sue via ECHR
Military serviceman Serhiy Hnizdilov, who is returning to service after publicly resigning, stated that he will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
He noted that there were "dozens of violations" in the actions of the prosecutors and the State Bureau of Investigation, promising to "hold accountable for everything," as "the truth matters."
Other News of the Day
- The defense forces struck Lukoil's oil refinery in the Volgograd region of the Russian Federation.
- The Russian ombudsman stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine "shared their last" with residents of the Kursk region and saved them from "mercenaries."
- In Ostrog, the mayor was dismissed for drunkenly listening to Russian songs, later apologizing a month later.
- In Turkey, a man threatened to commit suicide but changed his mind when police offered him shawarma.
- Regarding the suspension of Poroshenko, the deputy who filed the complaint claims that it may be perceived as excessive punishment in Europe.