Ex-Ukrainian MP Oleg Voloshyn Faces Life Imprisonment on Treason Charges

Indictment Filed Against Oleg Voloshyn

According to Главком: The Office of the Prosecutor General has submitted an indictment to the court concerning former MP Oleg Voloshyn, who served in the 9th convocation of Ukraine's parliament. He is charged with state treason and the deliberate failure to file a mandatory asset declaration. If convicted on these charges, Voloshyn could face life imprisonment and the confiscation of his property.

Alleged Actions and Charges

Prosecutors state that following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Voloshyn was present on the territory of the aggressor state. The indictment alleges he systematically disseminated Russian propaganda on public platforms, endorsed decisions made by Russia's military-political leadership, and justified the armed aggression. Additionally, he is accused of willfully failing to submit his mandatory annual asset declarations.

His actions have been classified under Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, pertaining to state treason, and Article 366-3, which covers the deliberate failure to file a declaration. Investigators from the Main Investigative Department of the State Bureau of Investigation formally notified Voloshyn of the suspicion in May 2023, after completing a pre-trial investigation into his activities. It was established that, while speaking from the parliamentary podium as well as in interviews and broadcasts, he spread Russian propaganda narratives and engaged in subversive activities.

This case is part of Ukraine's broader legal effort to combat collaborationism and treason among public officials and politicians since the 2022 invasion. It underscores the severe consequences for actions deemed to undermine national security during wartime. The Ukrainian government has pursued numerous such cases to deter cooperation with the aggressor state.

The trial of Oleg Voloshyn is expected to draw significant attention, both domestically and internationally, as issues of treason and collaboration remain highly pertinent in the context of Ukraine's ongoing defense against Russian aggression.