Kyiv Authorities Arrest Lawyer for Allegedly Assisting Russian Military Intelligence and Recruiting Agents

Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian authorities have arrested a lawyer accused of acting as an agent for Russian military intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) announced. The lawyer, who was not named, reportedly recruited operatives and provided legal defense for them while conveying sensitive information to Russia. The SSU detailed how the lawyer first assisted Russian forces by identifying a target spotter for artillery in Ukraine before representing the same individual after their arrest. The association between the lawyer and Russian intelligence began after a meeting in 2015 with GRU officer Vitaliy Naumov on Russian … Read more

Top Party Official Arrested in Kyiv for Alleged $1 Million Bribery Scheme Over Land Deal

Kyiv, Ukraine – Authorities in Kyiv have detained a high-ranking official of a well-known political party on allegations of corrupt practices involving a significant land deal. The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) reported the arrest, stating that the individual promised to resolve land issues through the Kyiv City State Administration in exchange for $1 million. The official, who oversees several regional branches of the party, was caught during a sting operation receiving a portion of the bribe. This development highlights ongoing concerns about corruption within the regional governance systems in Ukraine, impacting public trust in … Read more

Iranian Filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof to Lead Jury at Kyiv International Film Festival Amid Personal Triumphs and Trials

Kyiv, Ukraine – The prestigious Kyiv International Film Festival Molodist has named Mohammad Rasoulof, a renowned Iranian independent filmmaker, as the head of its jury for the upcoming international competition. Known for his impactful and controversial works, Rasoulof’s role underscores the festival’s commitment to highlighting cinematic voices that challenge societal and political norms. Rasoulof’s journey to this position is as dramatic as the plots of his films. In May 2024, he made a daring escape from Iran following a severe sentence of eight years in prison, lashes, and property confiscation imposed for creating work deemed … Read more