On August 22, 2025, the HACC Appeals Chamber rejected the defense’s appeal and upheld the interim measure imposed on incumbent MP Oleksii Kuznietsov — detention with the alternative of bail set at UAH 8 million. At present, he has not posted bail and remains in pre-trial detention.
The defense argued that there were no risks for the criminal proceedings and that the bail amount set by the investigating judge was disproportionate for Kuznietsov and his family.
The MP himself stated that during his time in office he had not missed a single session of the Verkhovna Rada, that he wishes to continue participating in its work, and that he has no intention of absconding.
The prosecutor, in response, emphasized the reasonableness of the suspicion and the existence of sufficient evidence. He rejected the defense’s arguments and reminded the court that, according to Kuznietsov’s declaration, in April 2021 his wife purchased a land plot with unfinished real estate, with annual expenses of about USD 600,000. In addition, due to his position, Kuznietsov could, in the prosecutor’s view, exert influence on witnesses.
The HACC Appeals Chamber also today upheld the interim measure for another defendant in the same case, head of the Rubizhne Military Administration Andrii Yurchenko — detention with the alternative of bail set at UAH 6 million.
According to the investigation, MP Oleksii Kuznietsov, former head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration and later head of the Mukachevo District State Administration Serhii Haidai, and several other individuals concluded contracts for the supply of drones and EW systems for the Armed Forces of Ukraine at inflated prices. Up to 30% of the contract amounts were allegedly returned to them as undue benefit.