Appeals Court Upholds 9-Year Prison Sentence for Former Head of Ternopil Regional Council

High Anti-Corruption Court’s Appeals Chamber Ruling

According to Главком: A nine-year prison term and full asset forfeiture have been upheld for Mykhailo Holovko, the former chairman of the Ternopil Regional Council, who was convicted of accepting illicit benefits. The sentence, originally handed down on June 18, 2025, also bans Holovko from holding any state or local government positions-except elected offices-for three years. This case highlights ongoing efforts in Ukraine to hold high-ranking officials accountable for corruption.

Holovko was first exposed in June 2023, when investigators discovered he had demanded over 600,000 hryvnias in illegal payments from a businessman who also volunteered. The official sought this bribe in exchange for approving and adding certain projects to a list eligible for state budget funding, as well as for signing off on completed work invoices issued by a municipal enterprise under the Ternopil Regional Council. Authorities further alleged that Holovko, along with two deputy heads of the Ternopil Regional State Administration, collectively demanded a total of 1.8 million hryvnias.

Appeals Court Decision

The appellate ruling took immediate effect upon its announcement, though it can still be challenged through a cassation appeal directly to the Supreme Court within three months. Following the verdict, the defendant was taken into custody in the courtroom. On June 23, 2025, a 15 million hryvnia bail was posted on Holovko’s behalf. Additionally, in October 2025, the High Anti-Corruption Court found him guilty of submitting false asset declarations, imposing a fine and a ban from holding certain positions.

According to the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, 'He was caught in June 2023 soliciting and receiving over 600,000 hryvnias in illicit benefits from a businessman-volunteer. The official demanded this money for coordinating and including projects in the list of those requiring budget funding, for capital repairs of a local road, and for subsequently signing off on the work completion certificates issued by the municipal enterprise of the Ternopil Regional Council.'

The cases against Mykhailo Holovko underscore the critical importance of combating corruption and ensuring legal compliance among public officials. This verdict and the ongoing judicial process demonstrate Ukrainian courts’ commitment to taking decisive action against corruption-a vital step toward strengthening public trust in state institutions.

The recent ruling against Mykhailo Holovko underscores the ongoing battle against corruption within Ukraine's political landscape. Similarly, another case has emerged where a Ukrainian official faced severe consequences for misappropriating EU funds intended for housing displaced persons. This highlights a broader trend of accountability for public officials involved in corrupt practices. For more details, see the full report on the conviction of a Ukrainian official for embezzling funds.