The SSU has collected a solid evidence base against the former CEO of Antonov State Enterprise, his deputy and the head of the aviation security unit.

According to the investigation, on the eve of the full-scale invasion, the officials did not allow the National Guard of Ukraine to enter the territory of Hostomel airport to prepare for its defence.

Such criminal actions led to a temporary capture of the strategically important airfield, surrounding settlements and destruction of the AN-225 Mriya aircraft.

‘We are conducting an objective investigation of this case. Those who helped the enemy destroy one of Ukraine’s symbols must be held to account. The SSU will do everything for this, and our state will definitely build a new airplane, because Mriya, like Ukraine, cannot be destroyed,’ the SSU Head Vasyl Maliuk remarked.

The SSU has established that in January-February 2022, Antonov officials had explicitly forbidden the Ukrainian military to build defensive fortifications at the airport.

To do this, they ordered to block the National Guard from accessing the territory of the facility.

Based on the evidence collected, investigators of the SSU Main Investigation Department notified three persons involved of suspicion under the Article 114-1.2 of the CCU (obstruction of lawful activities of the AFU and other military formations during a special period, which led to deaths and other grave consequences).

For two suspects, the court has chosen custody as a measure of restraint. The SSU is acting to bring to justice the former deputy director general of SE Antonov, who is currently hiding from justice and has been declared wanted.

The offenders are facing up to 15 years in prison.

The investigation is ongoing under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.