Kyiv Court Sentences Ex-Berkut Commander to 10 Years: Inside the Ruling.

Ruling Issued by Kyiv's Obolonskyi District Court

According to Espreso.tv: On July 13, 2026, the Obolonskyi District Court in Kyiv handed down convictions against six individuals for crimes committed against participants of the Euromaidan protests, known as the Revolution of Dignity. Among those sentenced were a former commander of the special police unit 'Berkut' and other law enforcement officers, found guilty of violently suppressing the demonstrations that took place in January 2014. This case is part of ongoing efforts to hold security forces accountable for actions during the 2013–2014 uprising.

The convicted group includes the ex-Berkut commander, three of his subordinates, and two coordinators of hired thugs known as 'titushky.' All were involved in the violent crackdown, during which they unlawfully detained 22 protesters and other civilians. These arrests occurred on January 23, 2014, on Hrushevskoho and Shchorsa streets.

• The former Berkut commander received a 10-year prison sentence.
• Two of his subordinates were each sentenced to 8 years in prison.
• Two coordinators of 'titushky' were sentenced to 7 years in prison.

The pre-trial investigation into these crimes was carried out by investigators from the State Bureau of Investigation.

Ongoing Investigations

Additionally, in December 2025, the Podilskyi District Court in Kyiv found the same former Berkut commander guilty of the unlawful detention of individuals on January 20, 2014. On June 17, 2026, it was announced that the investigation into Viktor Yanukovych and 16 former officials had been completed, also in connection with the events of the Revolution of Dignity. These court rulings represent a significant step toward justice for protest participants.

This verdict could mark a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for victims of the Revolution of Dignity, as it underscores the accountability of law enforcement for actions directed against peaceful demonstrators.

Investigations into other individuals connected to these events are ongoing, reflecting the state's commitment to ensuring justice and punishing those responsible for crimes against citizens during mass protests.