Ukrainian MP Pelted with Tomatoes by Veteran Outside Courtroom

Showdown Between Viktor Lakhno and Mykola Tyshchenko

According to Главком: On July 3, 2023, in Kyiv, Ukrainian veteran Viktor Lakhno (call sign "Leleka") hurled tomatoes at lawmaker Mykola Tyshchenko immediately after a hearing at the High Anti-Corruption Court. The confrontation unfolded amid ongoing criminal proceedings involving Tyshchenko. The MP dodged most of the tomatoes and then challenged the veteran to a fistfight, striking boxing poses. Lakhno declined the offer and sprinted away as Tyshchenko tried to chase him down, but failed to catch him.

That same day, the High Anti-Corruption Court set Tyshchenko's bail at 10 million hryvnias. On June 29, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) had notified Tyshchenko of a suspicion: that in August 2023, he solicited an illegal benefit worth over 1 million USD from an individual he believed was involved in call-center operations. According to the investigation, he asked for the bribe but never actually received the money.

Corruption Allegations and Wider Fallout

Beyond this case, Tyshchenko is also a suspect in the unlawful detention of Dmytro Mazokha, a former fighter with the Kraken special unit of the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate. In May, the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Dnipro extended the preventive measure for both Tyshchenko and former police officer Bohdan Pysarenko. Video of the July 3 tomato incident was posted by Lakhno on his Instagram page and later circulated on local Telegram channels.

The clash between Lakhno and Tyshchenko highlights the tense climate surrounding anti-corruption investigations in Ukraine, especially those targeting high-ranking state officials.

The suspicions leveled against Tyshchenko point to serious corruption allegations that could significantly impact his political career and reputation. As anti-corruption agencies continue their work, this episode may serve as a powerful reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in public governance.

As the situation surrounding Mykola Tyshchenko intensifies, the High Anti-Corruption Court has imposed a significant bail amount of $10 million, reflecting the gravity of the allegations against him. This development adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of Tyshchenko's actions, particularly in light of recent corruption claims. For more details on the court's decision and its implications, see our coverage of the bail set by the High Anti-Corruption Court.