Timoshenko denies intent to flee Ukraine in court, references Yanukovych era

Suspect's position on possible flight

Yulia Timoshenko clearly outlined her position during the court hearing, stating that the threat of criminal prosecution is not a reason for her to leave Ukraine. As her main argument, she emphasised the period of Viktor Yanukovych's rule, noting that she did not leave the country at that time either.

“I didn't flee anywhere during Yanukovych's time, so will I flee now with these chicks?” — stated the leader of the “Batkivshchyna” party. (I didn't flee anywhere during Yanukovych's time, so will I flee now with these chicks?)

Change in preventive measure conditions

On 26 October, the High Anti-Corruption Court ruled to significantly reduce the amount of bail for Timoshenko. If the sum previously stood at 33.28 million hryvnia, it has now been reduced to 266,240 hryvnia. This means that the financial guarantee has decreased by a factor of 125.

The defence side insisted on reducing the bail, arguing that the suspect had diligently fulfilled all procedural obligations. In contrast, prosecutors expressed objections, drawing the court's attention to the MP's financial capabilities. Specifically, it was mentioned in court that 46 million hryvnia was held in one of her bank accounts.

Essence of the criminal proceedings

The central issue of the criminal case is the suspicion of bribing MPs. According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, Timoshenko offered improper benefit to members of the Verkhovna Rada in exchange for necessary votes. Anti-corruption bodies claimed that they have recordings of conversations which, in their opinion, confirm these circumstances.

Timoshenko herself categorically rejects these accusations, characterising the case as politically motivated. Her guilt has not been proven in court at this time.

The decision to reduce the bail does not mean the closure of the case and is not an acquittal of the suspect. After the initial bail of 33.28 million hryvnia was set, the court left an amount that is more than 33 million less than the previous one.