Court Decision on Maryna Honda
On May 26, 2026, the Shevchenkivskyi District Court in Kyiv upheld a lawsuit filed by Maryna Honda, Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration, seeking protection of her honor, dignity, and business reputation. The court declared as false information published in March 2025 by a Ukrainian Telegram channel with over a million subscribers, which alleged that Honda had embezzled 60 million hryvnias (approximately €1.5 million) from the capital's budget. The defendants—including the channel's founder and its parent company—have been ordered to issue an official retraction.
Disputed Claims and Legal Proceedings
The disputed information that triggered the lawsuit involved accusations of orchestrating a corruption scheme. In March 2025, the channel published allegations linking Honda to the misappropriation of a significant sum from public funds. Consequently, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, stating that the information was false.
Separately, legal proceedings are ongoing regarding an April 19, 2025, post by Maksym Bakhmatev, head of the Desnianskyi District State Administration, in which he accused Honda of participating in an office drinking party. During court hearings, Bakhmatev admitted he had been mistaken, initially wrongly believing that Honda appeared in a video that surfaced in spring 2025.
“At first, I mistakenly thought Maryna Honda was in the video, but later I realized this was not the case.” - Yuriy Radziyevskiy
The video in question was filmed in 2022 in the office of Maryna Radova, then director of the Tourism and Promotions Department, showing Kyiv city officials consuming alcohol. Following its publication, Radova submitted her resignation. Maksym Bakhmatev, commenting on the situation after a court hearing on December 9, 2025, released a video statement claiming he was under pressure. However, in phone conversations, he declined to discuss the matter further, stating he would only respond in writing.
This ruling marks a significant step in the case concerning the protection of Maryna Honda's integrity and professional reputation, while also underscoring the critical importance of verifying information before it is published in the media.
The case highlights the growing need for media accountability in spreading false information, particularly in today's information landscape. The court's decision could have a notable impact on journalistic practices in Ukraine, especially regarding fact-checking protocols before publication. As social media plays an increasingly dominant role in news dissemination, adherence to ethical and professional standards becomes ever more essential.
As legal battles unfold, the situation in Kyiv highlights a broader issue of corruption allegations involving public officials. Recently, new developments in a bribery case have emerged, implicating judges and a prominent businessman. These cases not only reflect the ongoing challenges within the governance framework but also the implications for public trust in local authorities.