Ukraine Investigation Indicts Former Antonov Bosses in AN-225 Aircraft Destruction

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has compiled compelling evidence pointing to the culpability of former officials from the Antonov State Enterprise in the destruction of the Mriya AN-225 aircraft.

According to SBU statements, the accused individuals, including the former general director and head of the aviation security unit, may face up to 15 years in prison for their criminal actions. These actions resulted in the temporary seizure of a strategically vital airfield during the battles for Kyiv and the irreparable destruction of the AN-225 "Mriya" aircraft.

The indictment, based on the gathered evidence, has now been forwarded to the court for further legal proceedings.

As per the investigation findings, the ex-officials allegedly prevented servicemen from the National Guard of Ukraine from entering the Gostomel airport's territory, hindering its preparation for protection ahead of a potential full-scale invasion by Russia. The order to block Ukrainian military access to the airport was purportedly issued by the accused during January-February 2022.

The charges against the defendants include obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations, as outlined in Part 2 of Art. 27 and Part 2 of Art. 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The current status of the accused is in custody, and if convicted, they could face a maximum sentence of up to 15 years behind bars. The An-225 "Mriya," the flagship of Ukrainian aviation, was undergoing repairs at Gostomel airport when it was destroyed during the Russian troops' offensive on Kyiv in February 2022. The ex-commander of the destroyed An-225, Dmytro Antonov, placed blame on the management of the state-owned enterprise "Antonov," asserting that their absence two weeks before the war and lack of efforts to save the plane led to its tragic loss.