Ukraine's SBU chief wanted by Moscow denies charges, vows to fight
The head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Vasyl Hrytsak, has been arrested in absentia by a Moscow court, prompting comments from Hrytsak himself.
11:33 AM EDT, March 26, 2024
Follow the war in Ukraine through our live report for the latest information.
It's important to note that many reports from Russian state media or Kremlin officials are likely to be false, potentially serving as part of an informational conflict waged by the Russian Federation.
A Moscow court has placed Hrytsak under arrest in absentia for two months on charges related to "public incitement to terrorist acts, their public justification, or promotion of terrorism," as reported by rbc.ua.
TASS, a Kremlin news agency, clarified that this decision is not associated with the recent terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, a suburb of Moscow. This attack, claimed by the Islamic State Khorasan Province—an Afghan division of the Islamic State—resulted in at least 137 deaths and over 180 injuries.
There are unofficial media claims linking the SBU chief to an alleged organization of an attack on the Crimean Bridge in 2022.
Vasyl Hrytsak's Reaction to His Arrest in Absentia by Russia
Responding to the Russian court's verdict, the head of Ukraine's Security Services criticized the move and dismissed it as unworthy of attention, calling it a maneuver by "the Kremlin's pocket judges."
"Like all Ukrainians, my sole focus is on bringing the mastermind behind our troubles, whom I refer to as Putler (a portmanteau of Putin and Hitler - ed.), to justice. We are committed to ensuring this war criminal faces trial at The Hague at the earliest opportunity," he stressed.
Source: TASS/Telegram/"Kommersant"/rbc.ua/PAP
