On April 14, 2026, the HACC found the absences of two defense counsel in the case of fugitive ex-president Viktor Yanukovych and his son Oleksandr to be unexcused. The court also raised the question of their disciplinary liability before the Qualification and Disciplinary Commissions of the Bar of Donetsk and Kyiv regions.

Three defense counsel failed to appear at today's hearing: two cited concurrent proceedings, and one cited a medical appointment. The hearing was therefore adjourned.

The case is currently in the defense evidence review stage, but hearings are being systematically postponed due to counsel absences. The next session is scheduled for April 24 at 08:00.

Such instances are not uncommon in HACC practice and may indicate abuse of procedural rights to delay proceedings. Ukrainian law still lacks effective mechanisms to address defense counsel who fail to appear without valid cause: fines are not available under the law, and referrals to bar disciplinary commissions rarely produce any meaningful response. 

Fugitive ex-president Viktor Yanukovych and his son Oleksandr are charged with the unlawful seizure of the Mezhyhiria residence. The amount of material damage is estimated at over UAH 540 million.