Mayor of Pereiaslav Faces Trial for Hiding Millions and Destroying Archaeological Site

Pereiaslav Mayor to Stand Trial

According to Главком: Vyacheslav Saulko, the mayor of Pereiaslav in the Kyiv region, will be tried for submitting false asset declarations and for carrying out illegal work at a protected archaeological site. An investigation found that for three years, the official failed to declare a portion of his property and funds. This included real estate worth over 7.2 million hryvnias, registered to a family member, as well as monetary assets and financial obligations. Annually, he concealed information on assets exceeding 9 million hryvnias.

Destruction of a National Heritage Site

Separately, in 2025, the mayor organized earthworks at a nationally significant archaeological monument without the required permits. The use of heavy machinery led to the excavation of a pit, which destroyed a cultural layer containing the remains of 18th-century monastic structures, burials, and objects from the ancient Rus period. The estimated damage to the state exceeds 18.9 million hryvnias.

On April 2, the Pereiaslav City District Court held a hearing regarding the extension of pre-trial restrictions for Vyacheslav Saulko. His nighttime house arrest was replaced with a personal commitment until June 2. The mayor is now obligated to appear in court upon request, surrender his travel documents, and refrain from communicating with witnesses in the case.

Yurii Bobrovnyk, a deputy of the Boryspil District Council, noted that Saulko faces up to eight years of imprisonment for abuse of power and for causing 18 million hryvnias in damages to the state.

This case is part of Ukraine's ongoing anti-corruption efforts, which are closely monitored by international partners. The charges highlight a dual failure: a breach of public trust through alleged financial deceit and the irreversible destruction of a part of Ukraine's national heritage. Such incidents underscore the critical need for accountability and legal compliance among local officials, particularly concerning the protection of cultural and historical sites.

The ongoing legal battles involving Ukrainian officials reflect a broader trend of accountability in governance. Similar to the recent case of a former deputy governor who was sentenced to eight years for bribery, the trial of Vyacheslav Saulko underscores the serious consequences of corruption and the destruction of cultural heritage. For further insights into this critical issue, you can read more about the ex-official's sentencing here.