Skip to content
Edit post

Russian court arrests Ukrainian intelligence chief in absentia over Crimean Bridge explosion

by The Kyiv Independent news desk April 21, 2023 4:37 PM 1 min read
This audio is created with AI assistance

Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight.

Become a member Support us just once

A Russian court has arrested in absentia Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov for what they deemed the "terrorist attack" on the Kerch Bridge, Russian state media wrote on April 21.

Budanov is accused of the "creation of a terrorist community," the "attempt to implement an act of terrorism by a group of persons by prior agreement," the "illegal acquisition of weapons by a group of persons," and "the illegal acquisition of explosive devices by a group of persons," Russian state media wrote.

On Oct. 8, there was an explosion on the bridge that connects Russia with the occupied Crimean peninsula. Kyiv has repeatedly called the bridge an illegal construction and a legitimate military target.

Russia's proxies in Crimea blamed Ukraine for the attack. Kyiv didn't officially respond to the accusations. However, multiple Ukrainian officials hinted at Ukraine's involvement, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying later that day that it was "cloudy in Crimea."

According to Russian state media, Budanov is suspected of involvement in the explosion and has been put on an international wanted list, with Russia calling for his extradition.

In late December, Budanov said in an interview that Ukraine will liberate the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula through a combination of military force and diplomacy.

Ukraine war latest: Stoltenberg declares ‘Ukraine’s rightful place’ in NATO, Zelensky demands to know timeframe and ‘concrete steps’
Key developments on April 20: * Stoltenberg meets Zelensky in Kyiv, says ‘Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO’ * Zelensky demands to know timeframe, ‘concrete steps’ needed for NATO membership * Southern military command: Russia received new batch of Iranian Shahed drones * Air Force: Ukraine e…
Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight.
Freedom can be costly. Both Ukraine and its journalists are paying a high price for their independence. Support independent journalism in its darkest hour. Support us for as little as $1, and it only takes a minute.
visa masterCard americanExpress

News Feed

Ukraine Daily
News from Ukraine in your inbox
Ukraine news
Please, enter correct email address
12:06 AM

Media: Rosatom's top manager arrested over suspicion of bribery.

The Basmanny court in Moscow arrested on March 28 Gennadiy Sakharov, Russian state nuclear energy company Rosatom's construction project director, due to the accusations of receiving a bribe in "a particularly large amount," Russian media outlet Kommersant reported.
8:30 PM

Shmyhal, Duda meet in Warsaw.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Polish President Andrzej Duda on March 28, as part of his official visit to Warsaw.
7:38 PM

Zelensky, Speaker Johnson hold call.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson held a phone call on March 28, Zelensky announced on social media.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.