He will be imprisoned for life: Yanukovych will be tried in the case of the Euromaidan shootings

The State Bureau of Investigation has concluded its inquiry into the largest case stemming from the Maidan protests. Viktor Yanukovych and the entire power structure at that time are set to face life imprisonment over their alleged involvement in the tragic events that unfolded during the "Heavenly Hundred" execution. This marks a significant development in seeking justice for the victims of the Revolution of Dignity.

Those facing potential life imprisonment include:

• The former President of Ukraine.
• The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
• The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
• The head of the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine).
• The first deputy head of the SBU, who also led the Anti-Terrorist Center.
• The Minister of Defense of Ukraine.
• The Head of the Main Board and Commander of Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
• The Acting head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Ukraine in Kiev.
• The Deputy Head of the State Security Service of Ukraine, who served as Chief of the Public Security Police.
• The commander of the PMOP "Berkut" at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Ukraine in Kiev.

Accusations against the key figures in the 2014 Maidan Tragedy

Indictments have been filed against these individuals, accusing them of ordering and making decisions that led to the use of excessive force, military equipment, and firearms by law enforcement during the events of February 18-20, 2014. These actions were allegedly taken without appropriate grounds and in violation of established regulations, resulting in the dispersal and violent suppression of demonstrators in the capital and the fatal shooting of protesters.

Furthermore, the authorities are accused of orchestrating an attack on Maidan, disguised as an anti-terrorist operation. On February 20, they purportedly ordered the shooting of protesters without legal basis or authorization.

The consequences of these actions have been devastating. According to the Prosecutor General's Office, they resulted in the deaths of 67 civilians, with 887 people injured, and 132 law enforcement officers harmed. Property damage exceeding UAH 16 million was also incurred.

During the investigative process, it was discovered that the former head of the SBU and the commander of the internal forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine had served in the armed forces of the Russian Federation, subsequently acquiring Russian citizenship. This allowed them access to military and state secrets in Russia and raised concerns about their allegiance.

The State Bureau of Investigation alleges that some of the accused have acted in the interests of Russia and are currently in hiding within the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. They are expected to be arrested and brought to justice once these territories are liberated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Revolution of Dignity, which took place from November 30, 2013, to February 2014, was a significant political and social movement sparked by the suppression of peaceful protests by students and public activists. The protests were initiated in response to the Ukrainian government's deviation from its established path toward European integration and a growing concentration of power in the hands of Viktor Yanukovych and his inner circle. The Ukrainian people's refusal to accept their country's transformation into a satellite of Russia was a central catalyst for these protests.