Arrest and Political Subtext: Volodymyr Prokopiv Accused of Facilitating the Exit of 31 Men Abroad — Opposition Calls the Case Politically Motivated

Kyiv, October 31, 2024 — Kyiv Deputy Mayor Volodymyr Prokopiv, amid the official notification of suspicion for allegedly organizing the illegal export of 31 reservists abroad under the guise of humanitarian transportation, stated that he is the target of a political campaign. He announced this on his social media page on Facebook, accusing law enforcement officials of playing political games and pursuing persecution amid complex internal political battles. According to Prokopiv, the charges are absurd and unfounded, and the case has solely political motives. "Today, I was served a notice of suspicion for an accusation that has nothing to do with reality: that I illegally facilitated the transfer of reservists abroad. This is entirely a political campaign aimed against opposition forces, as well as an attempt to clear up the difficult situation in Kyiv’s municipal government," he said. Details he provided in his post indicate that since April 2022, Prokopiv has been responsible for issues related to the city’s food security and the movement of essential goods. He claimed he had the authority to enter data into the electronic database "Shlyakh," which is used for accounting humanitarian aid. At the same time, he acknowledged that he did not always follow established procedures and mentioned several incidents involving drivers who left Kyiv and did not return. "I took responsibility because otherwise it would have been impossible to organize this entire system. I was the only one in the Kyiv City Military Administration willing to take such a step. Now, they wanted to prosecute me for activities carried out outside of the established procedures," Prokopiv stated. He emphasized that he views the investigation as a politically motivated move aimed at damaging his reputation and ignoring real issues. Additionally, he did not hide that he considers his suspicion part of a struggle between different political forces within Kyiv. Specifically, he accused the country's leadership of trying to tighten control over the Kyiv city administration by trying to introduce candidates aligned with the Office of the President. He sees this as part of a broader campaign to weaken the positions of the "European Solidarity" party and to control Kyiv City Council through the appointment of "loyal" candidates to key positions, including the Secretary of Kyiv City Council. What preceded these events? As early as April 17, sources from Ukrainska Pravda reported that law enforcement agencies — the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police — handed Prokopiv a suspicion of assisting in the illegal departure of 31 reservists from Ukraine. He was charged with allegedly organizing their transfer across the border under the pretense of humanitarian cargo, which is now perceived solely as a political provocation. Volodymyr Prokopiv himself had commented on this, stating that his activities within the scope of his responsibility for food security are necessary and justified. He explained that he performed his duties to ensure the safety of the capital and its residents, and that concerns about procedural compliance are petty and unfounded. He admitted that he did not always strictly adhere to formal procedures but did so responsibly and purposefully. It is worth noting that this case has become one of the key points in the political struggle between opponents, and it is possible that it will be exploited as a means of pressure or discrediting. In a period when Kyiv and the entire country are experiencing political tension, any accusations could be used to further internal political goals in an advantageous way for those in power. In October 2024, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko officially suspended Volodymyr Prokopiv from his duties amid investigations into possible involvement in illegal looting of municipal property. Prokopiv denies any involvement and insists on transparency, declaring he perceives the accusations as political pressure and plans to resign by submitting a letter of resignation. The incident has caused wide public resonance. Opposition blocs and experts emphasize the unjustified nature of political repression and note that game-playing with accusations is used to intensify internal political struggles and strengthen the influence of certain branches of power. Meanwhile, authorities seek to promote their version, assuring the legality and necessity of fighting corruption and abuses. Overall, the story of Volodymyr Prokopiv has become yet another confirmation of Ukraine’s complex and tangled political situation: on the one hand, the fight for transparency and fair justice; on the other, virtual accusations and the use of judicial processes as tools of pressure. Kyiv residents and the whole country are awaiting further developments, as these stories influence not only a particular branch of power but also the future of municipal and national governance.