Mayor of Kyiv Region to Face Trial for Falsifying Declarations and Damaging Archaeological Heritage

The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has reported that an indictment has been submitted to the court against the mayor of a city in the Kyiv region. The charges include the deliberate submission of false information in declarations, as well as the intentional destruction of an archaeological heritage site of national significance. This case has sparked significant public outcry, as it involves violations of the law by an official who is supposed to protect the interests of the community.

According to the investigation, over the course of three years, the accused systematically submitted declarations containing substantial false information. Specifically, he failed to declare real estate registered in the name of a family member, valued at over 7.2 million hryvnias. Additionally, the declarations did not reflect financial assets in accounts and financial obligations amounting to 600,000 hryvnias. Thus, each year, he concealed information totaling more than 9 million hryvnias, which constitutes a serious violation.

As reported by the prosecutor's office, in 2025, this official, lacking the necessary permits, organized and effectively carried out earthworks at a nationally significant archaeological site. Under his instructions, special machinery was used to excavate a pit and remove the cultural layer containing remnants of 18th-century monastery structures, burials, and artifacts from the early Rus period. This demonstrates a gross disregard for legislation and the archaeological heritage of the country.

As a result of these actions, the state has incurred damages exceeding 18.9 million hryvnias. This case underscores the importance of adhering to legislation regarding the protection of cultural heritage and the necessity for accountability among officials for their actions. Ukraine has numerous laws regulating the protection of archaeological sites, and violations cannot go unpunished.

The case against the mayor is already being actively discussed in society, as it raises questions about trust in local government bodies and their accountability to the community. Citizens expect that such cases will be thoroughly investigated and that those responsible will be punished to prevent similar crimes in the future. It is crucial for government agencies to continue fighting corruption and protecting Ukraine's cultural heritage.