A Ukrainian Member of Parliament (MP), Alexander Dubinsky, has been remanded in custody for 60 days without the option of bail, following allegations of treason. The decision was made by a Kyiv court, and Dubinsky has publicly confirmed that he is the individual in question.
The Prosecutor General’s Office announced that the investigation is being conducted under the supervision of its prosecutors. According to the authorities, Dubinsky is accused of disseminating materials on social media platforms such as Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram that promote narratives favorable to Russia. Investigators believe these publications could undermine Ukraine’s state policies and disrupt mobilization efforts.
On May 5, 2026, Dubinsky was formally charged under Article 111 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which pertains to treason committed by a group in conspiracy.
Details of the Allegations Against Dubinsky
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) have stated that they have gathered evidence of Dubinsky’s involvement in activities that allegedly support Russian interests. Dubinsky, identified by the call sign “Buratino,” is accused of engaging in information warfare aimed at destabilizing the socio-political situation in Ukraine and discrediting the state internationally.
The SBU reported that the criminal organization linked to these activities was established by Vladimir Alekseev, a deputy chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of Russia. This group operated in Kyiv and was managed from Russian territory by Alekseev’s deputy, Alexey Savin. The Prosecutor General’s Office added that the organization was formed in 2016 and included two Ukrainian MPs and a representative from the Prosecutor General’s Office.
In addition to Dubinsky, former MP Andriy Derkach, who fled abroad before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, is also implicated. The investigation suggests that Konstantin Kulik, a former prosecutor currently evading justice abroad, was part of the network. Igor Kolesnikov, known by the call sign “Veteran,” is reported to have led the network in Ukraine. Kolesnikov indicated that in 2019, MPs Derkach and Dubinsky held two orchestrated press conferences, where they promoted narratives provided by Russian sources.
On November 14, 2023, the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv ordered Dubinsky to be held in custody for 60 days without bail in relation to the treason case. Since then, the court has repeatedly upheld this detention.
On September 4, 2024, the Prosecutor General’s Office issued a new charge against Dubinsky, altering the previous allegations. According to materials from the DBR and SBU, Dubinsky is suspected of facilitating the illegal exit from Ukraine of his civil partner’s brother during the summer of 2022.
Furthermore, on March 13, 2024, the Pechersk District Court found Dubinsky guilty of an administrative offense related to corruption. The DBR has indicated that in August and October 2023, Dubinsky made inquiries to the Ministry of Health and the DBR that pertained to his personal interests.
Ukrainian MP Alexander Dubinsky has been detained for 60 days on charges of treason, accused of promoting pro-Russian narratives online. The investigation reveals a broader network allegedly aimed at destabilizing Ukraine's political landscape.