Oleksiy Shevchuk, Partner at Barristers, J.S.A.—"Great things happen during Lent"

Ruban’s Attorney: Great Things Happen During Lent

Vladimir Ruban’s defense team stated that, with their decision to release him from custody, the judges acted impartially—perhaps for the first time in Ukraine’s history—and demonstrated “high integrity.”

Ruban’s attorney, Oleksiy Shevchuk, made this statement during an appearance on the news and analysis program “Comments” on ZIK TV.

Commenting on the release of Nadiya Savchenko and Volodymyr Ruban from custody, he emphasized that the judges had demonstrated “high integrity” and acted impartially “for the first time in Ukraine’s history.”

“These judges may go on to become chief justices of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals, or they may simply remain in their current positions. However, one certainly shouldn’t expect them to be targeted for taking a principled stance,” Shevchuk said.

“Great things happen during Great Lent. I can’t comment any further; that’s enough,” the attorney added.

At the same time, when asked about his defense strategy, he emphasized that he has many other clients, so it is unlikely that he will focus solely on this case until May 7—the date of the next hearing.

“Second, politics isn’t conducted in the kitchen over dinner. What the prosecutors presented in the Verkhovna Rada is nothing more than idle talk,” Shevchuk believes.

After all, he says, the charges are based on private conversations between Savchenko and Ruban, which can only be characterized as an “emotional conversation.”

“Any conversation can be interpreted in different ways,” the attorney argues.

He is convinced that after the next hearing, the preventive measure against Savchenko and Ruban will not be extended.

“It’s procedurally impossible. It’s all over,” Shevchuk emphasized.

In addition, he noted that a “very important” petition is currently pending before the Constitutional Court.

“I think a decision will be issued in the near future stating that secret investigative proceedings against members of parliament cannot be conducted without the consent of the Verkhovna Rada,” the lawyer noted.

As previously reported, the Brovary Court in Kyiv Oblast ruled to release Volodymyr Ruban and Nadiya Savchenko from custody right in the courtroom.