Zelensky calls for awarding Parubiy the title of Hero of Ukraine: petition
4 September 13:58
A petition with a proposal to award the title of Hero of Ukraine to Andriy Parubiy, MP of the European Solidarity faction, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of the VIII convocation and Commandant of the Maidan Self-Defense, has been published on the official website of the President of Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The appeal emphasizes the need to posthumously honor the political and public figure, who was an active participant in the Revolution of Dignity, the founder and coordinator of the Maidan Self-Defense, and a member of parliament of several convocations. Mr. Parubiy served as Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada in 2016-2019.
“Andriy Parubiy has devoted his entire life to serving the Ukrainian state, protecting its sovereignty, independence and democratic values. He has made a significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian parliamentarism and played a key role in ensuring the security of Maidan during the events of 2013-2014,” the petition says.
The author of the initiative emphasizes that Parubiy’s pro-Ukrainian stance, commitment to the state interests and contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s national security and European integration deserve the highest state award.
“Please support this petition to honor the memory of Andriy Parubiy as a true patriot, statesman and fighter for Ukraine’s independence,” the appeal says.
It should be noted that the Halytskyi District Court of Lviv imposed a pre-trial restraint on 52-year-old Mykhailo Scelnikov, a Lviv resident suspected of murdering MP and former Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy.
The suspect himself did not object to this decision.
Guilty plea and motives
At the hearing, Sselnikov pleaded guilty and stated that his actions were “revenge against the Ukrainian authorities”. At the same time, he rejected reports of possible blackmail by Russian special services, emphasizing that he acted independently.
The suspect also expressed a desire to be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war in the future, as he said he wanted to find the body of his missing son.
When asked by the court why he chose Andriy Parubiy as a victim, Sselnikov replied: “He was nearby”.
He added that if he had lived in Vinnytsia, Petro Poroshenko could have been his target.
Classification of the crime
The Lviv resident was notified of suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- ч. 1 of Article 115 – premeditated murder;
- ч. 1 of Art. 263 – illegal handling of weapons.
What is known about the murder
Former Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy was killed in Lviv on the afternoon of August 30. An unknown man fired about eight shots at the politician with a short-barreled firearm. Parubiy died on the spot from his wounds.
The attacker fled, and a special operation “Siren” was launched in the city. On the night of September 1, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the suspect had been detained.
According to the head of the National Police, Ivan Vyhivskyi, Scelnikov had been preparing for the crime in advance, tracking the politician’s movements and waiting for the right moment to attack. After the murder, he tried to hide in the Khmelnytsky region.
Vyhivskyi also stated that the crime was not accidental and that there was a “Russian trace” in the case.
