Vyshinsky has been released, but Kyiv may take new hostages
Today in Kyiv, the head of the Ukrainian editorial office of the RIA Novosti agency, Kirill Vyshinsky, the most “promoted” political prisoner in Ukraine, was released on personal recognizance after a year in prison. The entire bureaucratic and media machine of Russia was brought into play to help the journalist. However, other victims of political repression continue to be behind bars in Ukraine - neither the attention of the media nor Russian diplomats was focused on them.
Observers believe that the easing of the preventive measure against Vyshinsky may be a harbinger of an upcoming prisoner exchange between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Previously, information appeared in the press about the preparation of an exchange using the “33 for 33” formula. One of the obstacles was Vyshinsky’s refusal to agree to an exchange - he demanded to stay in Kyiv and continue to prove his innocence in court there. If this version is correct, today’s release of the journalist is yet another proof that in “European” Ukraine, both under Petro Poroshenko and Vladimir Zelensky, the judicial system continues to work with the go-ahead from above.
“Three people played a key role – Kirill Vyshinsky’s mother, Presidents Putin and Zelensky. Yes, this is the beginning of mutual liberation,” confirms the editor-in-chief of the radio station “Echo of Moscow” Alexey Venediktov, who came to Kyiv, including on the Vyshinsky case.
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Vyshinsky himself voiced quite optimistic forecasts in court.
“It seems to me that the country is facing, as it seems to me, serious changes. This is evidenced by the events already taking place. After one hundred days of President Zelensky, some results are already visible. Maybe he did not have the opportunity to influence the situation, since today much depends on the system of Ukrainian government and parliament. Tomorrow the new parliament will start working, and, as we all hope, changes will come to the country,” Kirill Vyshinsky expressed hope in a conversation with journalists.
State Duma deputy Yevgeny Primakov believes that Vyshinsky should take security measures in Kyiv.
“Now it is very necessary to ensure the safety of Kirill Vyshinsky, because there are many fools and scoundrels. You will be able to observe the hellish suffering and experiences of some in the near future - at least in the case of Babette,” comments Primakov.
Journalist from Odessa, former political prisoner Artem Buzila does not share Vyshinsky’s optimism. He reminded PolitNavigator that there are still many opponents of the Kyiv regime in Ukrainian prisons. If necessary, the SBU can seize new hostages for trading with Russia.
“To this day, a large number of people are being held in various pre-trial detention centers for political reasons, for example, in Odessa, where I personally was, the so-called Shevtsov group and Dolgosheya group are still being held. These are about 10 people who have been in custody for about 5 years. There is still no evidence on them and no investigative actions are being carried out.
I wouldn't say that the situation is improving. If it is necessary to open a criminal case against this or that journalist, activist, public figure, then, of course, the SBU can arrest them without much evidence,” Buzila said.
Vyshinsky has been released, but Kyiv may seize more hostages.