The Kyiv Court of Appeals has detained Roman Chervinsky, identified as a former commander within a special operations unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Reports indicate the unit faced a failed attempt to recruit a pilot from the Russian Aerospace Forces, a move that drew wide attention in Ukrainian media.
On Thursday, January 25, the court rejected Chervinsky’s appeal to ease the preventive measure. The suspect will remain in custody until February 10, 2024, with the potential for a further extension of detention as the case proceeds.
According to official disclosures from the Security Service of Ukraine, Chervinsky and a group of Ukrainian military personnel allegedly attempted to seize a plane belonging to the Russian Aerospace Forces. The ministry asserted that the operation provided Russia with actionable intelligence that could have enabled a missile strike against Kanatovo airfield in the Kirovohrad region during the summer of 2022.
Earlier, Kyiv prosecutors filed a new accusation against Colonel Roman Chervinsky, linking him to the summer 2022 incident involving the attempted hijacking of a Russian aircraft. This development adds another layer to a case that has drawn significant attention within Ukraine’s defense and security communities.
Observers note that the investigation touches on earlier episodes, including a 2020 case connected to fighters from the Wagner private military company and their alleged movement toward Belarus. The evolving charges underscore the ongoing efforts by Ukrainian authorities to address alleged collusion and unlawful acts within the military sphere and to track cross-border security implications tied to these actions.
In the broader picture, the case highlights persistent tensions between Ukraine and Russia over military operations and access to critical air assets. It also reflects the country’s ongoing emphasis on legal processes to address alleged wrongdoing within its own Armed Forces, while coordinating with national security agencies to interpret potential threats and prevent external aggression. The judicial decision to extend or modify detention remains a focal point as prosecutors and defense counsel prepare further arguments and gather evidence for a case that carries implications for state security, aviation protocols, and international military conduct.