Today the HACC Appeals Chamber considered the defense's appeals against the preventive measure applied to Poltava City Council member Yurii Brazhnyk, suspected of organizing a kickback scheme involving road maintenance contractors. The panel left the preventive measure unchanged.

The defense argued that the current measure — pre-trial detention with a UAH 33 million bail alternative — is excessively harsh and that the bail amount is inflated and unaffordable. The defense attorneys believe that the HACC investigating judge considered only the prosecution's position. The defense filed two appeals: one seeking to replace the measure with nighttime house arrest, and one seeking at least a reduction in the bail amount in light of the suspect's financial situation.

In support, the defense cited Brazhnyk's health problems, his care for a young child and a mother with a disability, numerous commendations from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and his need to consult in person with Poltava residents. Counsel also raised the conditions of his detention: since the bail has not been posted, Brazhnyk remains in Lukianivka Pre-Trial Detention Facility, which the defense described as a “dangerous facility with inadequate shelter.”

The prosecutor opposed both appeals, arguing that the preventive measure applied to Brazhnyk is fully proportionate to the acts of which he is suspected.

The NABU and the SAPO suspect Yurii Brazhnyk and associates of accepting kickbacks during road repair and maintenance works in Poltava. According to the investigation, they demanded 10% of contract values from contractors in exchange for the unobstructed conclusion and execution of agreements, with payments channeled through a currency exchange point. Total funds received exceed UAH 7.7 million.