Andriy Bohdan, the former head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, has described the sanctions imposed against him by President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “criminal act”. Bohdan has announced his intention to initiate an independent investigation to hold accountable those involved in the sanctions.
In a statement on social media, Bohdan asserted that the sanctions were enacted due to his dissemination of recordings related to corruption among officials. He characterized the legal justification for the sanctions as a convoluted phrase referring to “systematic discrediting of the state leadership”. Bohdan contended that this was essentially a response to his criticism of the government and the revelations made by journalists.
Bohdan, who was dismissed from his position in February 2020, noted that the sanctions are linked to the recordings in question, asserting that he is the individual mentioned in them. He emphasized that he has no recourse but to combat what he perceives as injustice through his own legal investigation.
“Since I have no other option but to fight against this injustice, I am beginning my independent legal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the imposition and application of sanctions against me. I promise that all officials involved in this crime or who obstructed the establishment of truth will be held criminally liable,” Bohdan stated.
On May 2, President Zelensky announced sanctions against Bohdan and several others, citing their actions as threats to Ukraine’s national interests, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Background information indicates that Bohdan was appointed as head of the Presidential Office in May 2019, following his advisory role to Zelensky. He was removed from this position in February 2020 and subsequently replaced by Andriy Yermak. In interviews, Zelensky has expressed concerns about Bohdan’s influence and the conflicts arising from his role.
- Bohdan was appointed head of the Presidential Office on May 21, 2019.
- He was dismissed from his position on February 11, 2020.
- Zelensky initially considered Bohdan for the role of Prosecutor General but later decided against it due to concerns over his conduct.
- Bohdan has publicly criticized Zelensky, suggesting that the president has been swayed by unqualified advisors.
- He has also alleged that members of Zelensky’s party receive cash for favorable votes in parliament.
Andriy Bohdan, former head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, claims that sanctions imposed by President Zelensky are unjust and criminal. He plans to conduct an independent investigation into the matter, asserting that the sanctions stem from his criticism of the government and the dissemination of corruption-related recordings.