Court Ruling on Andriy Nikolaienko
On April 27, 2026, the Zhytomyr District Court found Andriy Nikolaienko, a member of parliament from the Batkivshchyna party, not guilty in a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of 18-year-old Viktoriia Nazarova. The court determined that prosecutors failed to establish a direct causal link between the driver's speeding and the collision with the pedestrian.
The crash occurred on November 3, 2023, along the M-06 Kyiv–Chop highway near the village of Berezivka in Zhytomyr district. Nikolaienko was behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz GLE 300D, traveling toward Lviv. At the time of the accident, his vehicle was moving at an estimated speed of 141–153 km/h, exceeding the posted limit of 110 km/h. Viktoriia Nazarova, who was crossing the road outside a marked crosswalk, sustained severe injuries and died at the scene.
Neither the driver nor the victim showed signs of alcohol or drug intoxication. Nikolaienko faced charges under Article 286, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which carries a penalty of three to eight years in prison. However, the court ruled that the prosecution could not prove that speeding was the direct cause of the pedestrian being struck.
Andriy Nikolaienko's Comments
Andriy Nikolaienko stated: 'Unfortunately, the speeding I committed—and which I do not deny—was not in a causal relationship with the accident.'
He added: 'The girl, violating the rules, ran too close to the car' and confirmed that 'the only violation on my part was speeding.' The lawmaker emphasized that the victim appeared in front of his vehicle at such a short distance that avoiding the collision was impossible.
The verdict can be appealed within 30 days to a higher court. This case has drawn considerable public attention, as it involves a tragic road incident resulting in a young woman's death.
The outcome of the trial has sparked widespread debate, highlighting ongoing societal concerns about driver accountability in such situations. The incident underscores the importance of road safety compliance not only by motorists but also by pedestrians, as both bear responsibilities in preventing accidents. Legal experts anticipate a possible appeal, which could lead to further court proceedings and renewed discussions on traffic safety standards.
This case resonates with another recent incident involving a lawmaker's family, where prosecutors are appealing the sentence of an MP's daughter who avoided prison for her role in a traffic accident. Such cases raise critical questions about accountability and justice in the context of public figures. To explore the details of this related story, click here.