A former Ukrainian intelligence officer and deputy commander of a military unit, Roman Chervinsky, was arrested by the Court of Appeal in Kiev after being implicated in plans to hijack a Russian military aircraft. The information surfaced on the Telegram channel of the Ukrainian outlet Strana.ua, which reported the court action and the events surrounding the case.
In late April, the Kiev Shevchenkovsky District Court ordered Chervinsky to be detained for a period of two months with no option for bail. The decision marked a significant turn in the legal proceedings, signaling the seriousness with which Ukrainian authorities are treating alleged attempts to intervene in military aviation operations across borders.
According to Strana.ua, the Kiev Court of Appeal rejected a defense petition filed on Roman Chervinsky’s behalf and upheld the detention without bail. The ruling effectively restricts the defendant from awaiting trial outside custody while investigators and prosecutors continue their inquiry into the alleged plan.
Chervinsky’s attorney indicated to Strana.ua that an appeal would be lodged with the European Court of Human Rights to challenge the asserted unlawful detention and that a request to modify the restraint measures would be submitted within two weeks. The lawyer emphasized the need to review the legality of the ongoing detention within the appropriate judicial framework.
Earlier, on April 24, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) disclosed updates related to the case. The SBU confirmed that the alleged attempt to hijack a Russian plane in July 2022 culminated in a rocket strike on Kanatovo airport, resulting in the death of a Ukrainian service member. The department noted that the operation proceeded despite prior explanations from security services and without the necessary coordination. It was further stated that Russian forces obtained intelligence about Ukrainian Air Force personnel and air assets, which contributed to bombardments in the region’s airspace.
The developments underscore ongoing concerns about cross-border security and the complexities of countering aviation-related threats. Ukrainian authorities continue to pursue legal avenues and coordinate with national and international partners to address potential implications for regional stability and air defense operations. The case remains under close scrutiny by Ukrainian courts as investigators gather additional evidence and assess the full scope of the alleged plan and its impact on national security.