The HACC continues to hear the case of former MP and developer Maksym Mykytas, charged with attempting to bribe Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov.

The proceedings are currently at the closing arguments stage. Both the prosecution and defense have completed their statements. The prosecutor delivered his closing argument on November 7, 2025, after which the floor passed to the defense.

In his argument, the prosecutor stressed that the crime is complete from the moment an offer of unlawful benefit is made, regardless of whether any money actually changes hands. According to the prosecution, Mykytas explicitly stated the bribe amount — 10% of the project value, approximately EUR 22 million — in exchange for facilitating a contract with his companies.

The prosecutor cited covert investigative action materials, including audio and video recordings in which the defendant allegedly describes in detail the mechanics of transferring funds through offshore companies or in cash. He also rejected the defense's entrapment arguments and asked the court to find Mykytas guilty under Article 369(4) of the Criminal Code and impose the harshest possible sentence.

The defense built its case on several key arguments: that no real bribe offer was made and only hypothetical business models were discussed; that no money was transferred and the stated sum is abstract; that the crime was provoked, as the conversations were initiated by Filatov himself acting under NABU's supervision; and that there may have been violations in the conduct of covert investigative actions and disclosure of materials. The defense also emphasized that the Mayor of Dnipro has no unilateral authority to award metro construction contracts. 

After the defense completed its closing argument, it was Mykytas's turn to address the court, but he stated he was not ready, as he had not expected the proceedings to reach his turn at this hearing. 

Accordingly, only the defendant's statement remains before the court moves to his final word, after which the panel will retire to deliberate and deliver a verdict.

The next hearing is scheduled for July.