An MP expelled from Zelensky’s party will stand trial on charges of assaulting a war veteran

The case of the assault and kidnapping of MP Mykola Tyshchenko, who was expelled from the party of President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2023, went to court, the State Bureau of Investigation announced on December 17.

The office announced that it had concluded an investigation against Tyshchenko on charges of illegal detention and assault on a war veteran in Dnieper.

If convictedhe faces up to five years in prison.

The charges stem from widely circulated video recorded in June, showing Tyshchenko and his bodyguards confronting veteran Dmytro Pavlov, who was walking with a child in the center of Dnieper.

The video shows an argument that escalates into a physical fight, resulting in Pavlov being detained and injured.

Tyshchenko, who later admitted to being in Dnieper during the incident, he claimed to be investigating alleged bot farms.

The incident sparked significant reaction from activists, soldiers and public officials.

Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, condemned Tyshchenko’s actions, calling them “absolutely disgraceful“

Yermak also noted his long-standing friendship Tyshchenkowho had previously baptized Yermak’s son.

Tyshchenko has a history of controversy, including his own expulsion from Zelensky Servant of the People party in January 2023 after an unauthorized war trip to Thailand.

The incident strengthened calls for Tyshchenko to be held accountable among activists and military personnel.

Britain imposes sanctions on 20 Russian “shadow fleet” tankers and announces financial assistance to Ukraine

Britain has imposed sanctions on 20 ships of Russia’s “shadow fleet” and provided 35 million pounds ($44 million) in aid to repair Ukraine’s energy grid, the British government announced on December 17.