Denis Bigus Returns to Service: an Important Offer from the TCC and New Details of His Mobilization

Renowned investigative journalist and editor-in-chief of the Bihus.
Info project, Denis Bigus, officially announced his decision to return to military service following an offer extended to him by the Vinnytsia Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TCC).
This development has sparked widespread discussion in media circles and intensified debates regarding his status and role amidst Ukraine’s ongoing military efforts.
According to Bigus, circumstances unfolded such that he voluntarily joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the onset of the full-scale invasion, served two years, and later resigned.
However, despite his service, he has yet to be officially recognized as a combatant, a status crucial for receiving various benefits and legal protections.Bigus stressed that upon returning to civilian life, he was confident that he would soon be mobilized again, perceiving this period as an unplanned leave, although he was repeatedly surprised by how long it lasted and that the war was still ongoing.
Notably, in his interviews, he emphasized that he has no exemption or immunity from mobilization and is ready to follow any orders.
Regarding his professional activities, Bigus informed that his team at Bihus.Info will continue investigative journalism in a normal regime, remaining independent and objective.
“We operate as before, just without my direct involvement in daily processes,” he noted.During the early days of the full-scale invasion, Bigus became a volunteer, working with drones, adjusting artillery fire, and performing military duties within the Patrol Police.
He decided to leave service at the end of 2023 to focus on peaceful tasks and media reform efforts.
It is essential to highlight that in May, Bihus.Info published an investigation into the financing of the ‘Honcharenko Centers,’ allegedly funded by the family business of Oleg Bakhmatyuk — a prominent Ukrainian agro-businessman suspected of corruption.
After the publication, the team faced pressure from influential politicians, notably MP Oleksii Honcharenko, who accused Bigus of being a covert operative for Ukraine’s security services and requested a SBU inquiry regarding his role.
The SBU responded clearly: Bigus is not on their staff and has never served in security or military units.
Bigus later confirmed that he is an adjunct employee of the SBU’s military counterintelligence department, adding new dimensions to his active role in Ukraine’s defense efforts.