Irpin mayor accused of facilitating draft dodgers' exit

The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has charged Irpin mayor Oleksandr Markushyn with allegedly facilitating the departure from the country of citizens evading military service. One of them was his godfather, Serhiy Rostatskyi, who played a key role in the restoration of Irpin's infrastructure.

According to the MistoInform publication, Rostatskyi, acting as the main contractor for the city's reconstruction, took advantage of the opportunity to leave the country and emigrated to the United States in the summer of 2024. He also withdrew significant financial funds allocated for reconstruction work.

According to media reports, companies linked to Rostatskyi received over 700 million hryvnia (approximately 20 million US dollars) from the state budget. This amount included international financial aid, including funds provided by the United States. Mayor Markushyn's support allowed Rostatskyi and others to cross the Ukrainian state border multiple times using the "Shliakh" system, intended for volunteers. However, according to the State Customs Service, upon returning to Ukraine, they did not declare a single humanitarian cargo.

As part of the criminal case, the Irpin mayor has been charged under Part 2 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This article provides for punishment for organising the illegal smuggling of persons across the state border, including restriction of liberty for up to three years, with a possible ban on holding certain positions or engaging in certain activities for the same period.