Antonov leadership to stand trial on negligence charges
The former leadership of Ukraine’s
state-owned Antonov aerospace enterprise will stand trial for alleged gross
negligence that led to the loss of An-225
Mriya aircraft in the opening days of Russian invasion in early 2022, the Office
of the Prosecutor-General announced on Feb. 27.
The prosecution has charged former Antonov’s General Director Serhiy Bychkov and his deputy for obstructing the lawful activities of the Ukrainian military, which ultimately enabled invading Russian forces to destroy several valuable aircraft at the Hostomel airport near Kyiv. At the time, the airport was managed by Antonov.
Specifically, Antonov's leadership allegedly failed to allow the National Guard to fulfill their duties in protecting and defending key assets at Hostomel.
"They denied National Guard troops access to the airport territory and categorically prohibited the establishment of engineering and fortification structures necessary for conducting combat missions," the message said.
"The accused's actions led to the loss of control over the strategic and military asset, followed by temporary occupation of adjacent populated areas in Kyiv Oblast, creating a threat to Ukraine's national security."
Bychkov and his subordinate were initially charged with negligence in March 2023. They have remained in custody since, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
The An-225 Mriya was the world’s largest and most powerful transport aircraft, built by Antonov. The one-of-a-kind aircraft was destroyed by Russian forces on Feb. 27, 2022, during the battle for Hostomel.
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