The court sentenced former Prime Minister Azarov to 15 years in absentia: for what exactly.

According to ТСН: The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv found former Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov guilty of treason and attempts to violently change the constitutional order.

The court ruling states that Azarov has been sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment with the confiscation of all property. This sentence was given in absentia, as the convicted person is hiding in the territory of the Russian Federation.

The Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office submitted an indictment against Azarov and his assistant to the court in March 2024. The former Prime Minister is charged with:

• Treason.

• Violating the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine.

• Calls for the overthrow of the constitutional order.

• Justifying armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

According to the investigation, Mykola Azarov actively used his Telegram channel to disseminate Russian propaganda. It was also revealed that two citizens of Ukraine who worked or previously worked in the Shevchenkivskyi District State Administration of Kyiv participated in his information and subversive activities, preparing provocative texts for publications.

What is known about Mykola Azarov?

Mykola Azarov entered the history of Ukraine as the head of the government during the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych. His political influence was closely tied to the “Party of Regions” and the active promotion of a pro-Russian foreign policy course.

A key moment that changed the course of Ukrainian history was his government's decision in 2013 to suspend preparations for signing the Association Agreement with the European Union, which catalyzed the beginning of the Revolution of Dignity.

During mass protests, Azarov openly opposed activists and supported the adoption of so-called “dictatorial laws” on January 16, 2014, which significantly restricted civil liberties.

After Viktor Yanukovych was ousted from power, Mykola Azarov also fled to the Russian Federation and has been hiding, avoiding accountability to Ukrainian justice.

Additionally, it was previously reported that Azarov decided in 2010 to extend the stay of the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, which led to the occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula in 2014.

Mykola Azarov also filed a lawsuit in the Kyiv District Administrative Court against the actions of the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Security and Defense Council, believing that the sanctions against him should be lifted.

Moreover, earlier journalists reported on people choosing to live in the luxurious estates of Azarov, Pshonka, and Zakharchenko.

This court ruling concluded a long process of bringing to justice one of the key representatives of Ukrainian politics during Yanukovych's times. Azarov, known for his pro-Russian position, remains subject to international search, and his actions continue to provoke outrage among Ukrainians. The verdict demonstrates the aspiration of Ukrainian justice for fairness and the restoration of legality in the country.