Irpin Mayor Markushin has been detained in connection with a border crossing case. Here are the details.

The Pechersk Court of Kyiv heard the case of Irpin's mayor, Oleksandr Markushin, who was accused of illegally crossing the state border between August 24 and August 30, 2022. Law enforcement officials discovered that the politician traveled abroad to Italy, allegedly to seek assistance for the military, but in reality, the city mayor used the permission he received from the Kyiv Regional Military Administration to meet with his 2-year-old son. This was reported by Suspilne correspondents on January 24.

The mayor himself denies the accusations against him, claiming that he went abroad for drones for the military and saw his son during a volunteer trip.

"I left the country for a few days after receiving permission from KOVA, returned, brought back two drones, and saw my son," Markushin stated during the court session.

The mayor of Irpin added that he is the sole guardian of his son, Mark. He also asserts that the entire case is fabricated and represents a "political order" against him. According to him, this may be orchestrated by the former head of Irpin, Volodymyr Karplyuk. Volodymyr Karplyuk has not yet commented on these accusations.

"This attempt is the only way to remove me from office ahead of a critically important session for his illegal market," the official wrote on Facebook.

However, the prosecution insists that Oleksandr Markushin did not provide any documents confirming his volunteer activities, as journalists from "Susпільне" found out.

Markushin's lawyer believes that the suspicion against the official is currently unfounded. It should also be noted that the case is unlikely to conclude here, judging by the words of the suspect himself.

"We will be filing an appeal," Markushin responded to the preventive measure imposed on him.

Additionally, during his detention, Markushin has also been suspended from performing his official duties.

Markushin reacted to the charges against him, noting that he had the right to leave the country without any additional permits because he is the sole guardian of his young son, but he "knew he would return with help," so he "officially arranged everything."