A Ukrainian court on Thursday ordered the pre‑trial detention of lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky until June 5, 2026, in connection with a prior treason investigation, the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) said.
Investigators allege that, despite being in custody, Dubinsky continued to coordinate anti‑Ukrainian propaganda activities, using intermediaries to distribute content online.
As a result of this, the court ruled that Dubinsky will be held without the option of bail, following the newly issued suspicion of treason.
“According to the conclusions of the linguistic and psychological examination, his publications on Telegram, Facebook and YouTube harm the state and information security of Ukraine,” the DBR said in a statement.
The suspect established a mechanism of anti‑state information activities from the pre‑trial detention center, preparing texts, recording videos, and issuing instructions on how and where to publish content – harming Ukrainian sovereignty.
Authorities said Dubinsky used offline laptops during meetings with his lawyers to produce materials and coordinate messaging, with operational data indicating that the administrator of these resources was his wife, who is currently based in Barcelona.
Pro‑Russian network
The case forms part of a broader probe into what authorities describe as a pro‑Russian influence network, allegedly coordinated by former Ukrainian lawmaker Andriy Derkach, now a Russian senator under US sanctions, reported the DBR.
According to investigators, the network may have included individuals linked to Russian intelligence structures, as well as former Ukrainian officials, and is suspected of spreading disinformation, attempting to influence political processes, and promoting narratives aligned with Russian interests.
Investigators also note that Dubinsky had previously been charged with treason in 2023, with authorities alleging links to a group connected to Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU).
Prosecutors say the group aimed to destabilize Ukraine’s socio‑political situation and discredit the country internationally.
Separately, Dubinsky was sanctioned by the US in 2021 for allegedly participating in a Russia‑linked disinformation campaign tied to interference in the 2020 election, as reported by the Department of State.
Financial scrutiny
Financial uncertainty also fuels the current investigation.
According to official data, Dubinsky’s family income between 2003 and 2022 totaled Hr.19.6 million (around $445,000), while the estimated value of assets belonging to him and his relatives reached around $2.5 million, significantly exceeding declared earnings.
Earlier court decisions resulted in the seizure of multiple apartments, vehicles, and other property assets, while investigations had also reported extensive holdings in real estate and luxury cars linked to the lawmaker and his family.
According to official court documents, Dubinsky commented on the assets registered under his mother’s name and said: “Mom likes speed.”
The lawmaker has also remained politically active on Telegram, previously calling for the impeachment of President Volodymyr Zelensky following a public diplomatic dispute involving the US.
The latest suspicion concerns treason committed under martial law, defined as providing assistance to a foreign state or organization in activities against Ukraine’s security.
The offense carries a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment.
The DBR emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, and that any determination of guilt will be made by the court following the completion of legal proceedings.