On November 7, political scientist Ihor Chalenko discussed a high-profile case on his YouTube channel "Klochkok Time": the Borodyanka District Court of Kyiv region acquitted Russian soldier Yevgeny Murzintsev. Murzintsev was suspected of looting a house in Blystavitsa during the spring 2022 occupation, but was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
Investigators found that Murzintsev allegedly sent a package with possible stolen goods via a Russian postal service in Belarus. However, the court ruled the evidence was insufficient, interpreting all doubts in favor of the accused. Prosecutors have appealed, insisting on ensuring accountability for war crimes.
Chalenko highlighted the irony of a government-appointed lawyer, paid by Ukrainian taxpayers, successfully defending a Russian occupier. Such situations undermine public trust in wartime justice and challenge the reality of getting justice for victims.
According to Chalenko, Ukraine has already opened about 190,000 cases related to Russian war crimes, making justice for each victim difficult. He stressed that this case is a "litmus test" for Ukraine's judicial system. The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed the appeal is underway.
Chalenko urged seeing the case through to the end to avoid verdicts that may seem to condone aggression. He concluded by saying that these cases determine whether Ukraine can guarantee justice amid large-scale aggression.
