The Primorsky District Court in Odesa has sentenced a soldier from Kyiv, Serhiy Shalaiev, to life imprisonment for the murder of activist Dmytro Hanul. The ruling was confirmed by the National Police of Ukraine.
According to police reports, Shalaiev was found guilty of carrying out the murder on March 14, 2025, after receiving a contract to kill Hanul. Following this, he took annual leave, rented two apartments in Odesa, and illegally acquired firearms, ammunition, and hand grenades, which he stored in these locations.
During the attack, Shalaiev shot Hanul multiple times, including a shot to the head. The court found him guilty on three counts under the Ukrainian Criminal Code: intentional murder for hire, illegal possession of firearms, and failure to return to military service without valid reasons during a state of war.
While the court has issued its verdict, it has not yet taken legal effect, as both parties have the right to appeal within 30 days of the ruling.
A soldier has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of an activist in Odesa. The court's ruling is subject to appeal, as it has not yet taken legal effect.