The deputy chief psychiatrist of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleg Druzhy, was detained and remanded in custody until July 21, marking one of the main news stories in the Ukrainian legal and military sectors on the eve of the third decade of July
This decision was made by the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv after a lengthy hearing in which he was charged as a suspect in a number of offenses related to potential corruption abuse and illicit enrichment. The court session was held behind closed doors; however, a source from the courtroom, who was caught on camera by news agencies, reported that the accused, in the presence of the judge, participated in the process via video link from his home. According to official information, the prosecution insisted on extending the preventive measure in the form of detention, citing risks of possible pressure on witnesses and the likelihood of fleeing from military service. However, Druzhy's lawyers filed motions for house arrest and a bail and sum exceeding 900,000 hryvnias, seeking to demonstrate that their client is fully integrated into society and motivated to remain in Ukraine. The defenders emphasized that Druzhy receives at least one million hryvnias per year and could only afford to travel abroad with a substantial bail. They also added that he has over 750 relatives whom he feels responsible for and does not intend to leave without support. It was further noted that during the court session, the suspect emphasized his loyalty to Ukraine and willingness to cooperate with investigators to prove his innocence. Currently, the court has decided to prolong the detention until July 21 and has established the possibility of posting a bail of 49 million hryvnias, which is practically a symbolic amount for this level of case. However, on a legal basis, he remains in custody. The background of the case dates back to January of this year, when the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted searches and arrests related to the activities of the chief psychiatrist of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to investigative data, Druzhy was detained as part of an investigation into property crimes and abuses that occurred under martial law. It was reported that during active hostilities, he accumulated assets totaling over one million US dollars, many of which were registered not in his name but in the names of family members—his wife, daughter, sons, and even third parties—raising credible suspicions of illicit schemes for hiding and money laundering. According to information from criminal cases, this was not Druzhy's first experience in court proceedings. In 2017, he was involved in a case related to bribery and falsification of medical documents aimed at obtaining a certificate of fitness for military service based on health status. At that time, he was acquitted due to lack of evidence, but currently, investigators see signs of criminal offenses in his actions, which served as grounds for his detention and preventive measures. Relations between military authorities and law enforcement agencies are tense and sensitive, particularly during the active phase of the war. The objectivity and fairness of the investigation will significantly influence many factors—ranging from the transparency of the process to political and public reactions. The court's decision to extend the detention period allows the suspect time for defense and further case review, while his relatives brace themselves in anticipation and preparation for a possible change in the preventive measure or the final ruling. At the same time, this case serves as another reminder of the need for humane treatment of military personnel, thorough verification of their property and documents during wartime, and increased scrutiny of corruption schemes within military structures.