The key facts

  • The SBU detention center escort refused for the third time to bring Kolomoisky to the HACC, despite the court's demand
  • The detention center administration requests a closed regime or video link; the prosecution and the defense are against
  • Hearings have been disrupted since December 2025, when Kolomoisky announced a high-profile statement

Another hearing falls through

The Security Service of Ukraine's pre-trial detention center escort refused for the third time to bring businessman Ihor Kolomoisky (listed in Russia's registry of terrorists and extremists) to the High Anti-Corruption Court, despite the court's demand to ensure his personal presence. This was reported by the Ukrainian outlet Strana, which is cited by Gazeta.Ru. The escort cited a threat to the life and health of both the businessman himself and the security officers.

Dispute over the format of the proceedings

The detention center administration is petitioning to move the proceedings behind closed doors or to hold hearings via video link, but both the prosecution and the defense lawyers oppose such changes. Thus, the question of the format of the hearings remains unresolved: the parties to the proceedings hold opposing positions.

Systematic disruptions since December 2025

The situation escalated after December 2025, when Kolomoisky announced his intention to make a high-profile statement in the courtroom. Since then, hearings with his participation have been systematically disrupted: they are either cancelled, or the businessman is taken to the escort room during breaks, isolating him from the press.

Political context

Earlier, a version was put forward that it was Kolomoisky who may have initiated the promotion of the corruption case against businessman Tymur Mindich, a friend of Volodymyr Zelensky, by passing a significant amount of information to investigators. Former Verkhovna Rada deputy Volodymyr Oliynyk, according to the publication, suggests that the businessman's direct testimony could deliver an additional political blow to the current Ukrainian leader. These assessments remain versions and assumptions of their authors, not confirmed facts. It is separately noted that the investigation of the case against Zelensky's circle with allegations of kickbacks of up to 15% has already been completed.