Appeal Leads to Reduced Sentence for Lawmaker
The Appeals Chamber of Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) has reduced the prison sentence for A. Khmilkovskyi, a deputy of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi District Council in Odesa region. His punishment was lowered from 5 to 4 years of imprisonment. The amended sentence was announced on April 2, 2026, making 4 years the final term. This case is part of Ukraine's ongoing judicial efforts to combat corruption at the local government level.
A. Khmilkovskyi was caught in April 2024 attempting to solicit an unlawful benefit of $450,000. The money was intended for deputies and officials of a local town council in the Odesa region to influence a decision on allocating land plots for construction. The original HACC verdict, delivered on August 12, 2025, had sentenced him to 5 years in prison with property confiscation, based on multiple articles of Ukraine's Criminal Code.
Legal Reclassification and Next Steps
The Appeals Chamber reclassified the offense under Part 2 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The deputy was taken into custody in the courtroom. The Appeals Chamber's ruling takes legal effect immediately upon announcement, though it can be appealed within a 3-month period to the Supreme Court of Ukraine. This appeal process is a standard feature of the Ukrainian legal system, ensuring a final review by the highest court.
While the sentence reduction for A. Khmilkovskyi demonstrates the judiciary's active role in anti-corruption cases, it may raise questions about the consistency of sentencing for such crimes. The possibility of a further appeal underscores the Supreme Court's ultimate role in determining the legal status of individuals convicted of corruption. This case also highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability among public officials, particularly concerning the allocation of valuable land resources.
As the legal landscape around corruption cases in Ukraine continues to evolve, the recent developments involving a former prosecutor facing significant bail for systemic bribery charges shed light on the broader implications of corruption within the judiciary. This ongoing situation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement in combating such crimes effectively. For more on this case and its potential repercussions, see how it compares to similar instances of corruption in our detailed report on the former prosecutor's bail requirements here.